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Calexico, Calif. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials announced the opening of an additional SENTRI (Secure Electronic Network for Traveler’s Rapid Inspection) vehicle lane at the downtown Calexico port of entry.

The new SENTRI lane began operating yesterday morning and will be open Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and noon to 4 p.m.

The new lane is in addition to an existing SENTRI vehicle lane available seven days a week including holidays. Hours of operation of the existing lane are Sunday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 6 a.m. to midnight.

The downtown port also features a new pedestrian SENTRI lane that opened on Monday and operates from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week including holidays.

“The addition of a second SENTRI vehicle lane will allow SENTRI members to experience a shorter wait time at America’s third busiest port,” said Port Director Billy Whitford. “We consistently strive to provide faster, more efficient means for crossing the border.”

Customs and Border Protection’s SENTRI program provides dedicated vehicle lanes and expedited processing at various ports of entry on the Southwest border for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. Currently the SENTRI program in the Calexico/Mexicali region has 22,746 members.

The SENTRI lane first opened at the downtown port on December 29, 2005.

Interested travelers may apply for the SENTRI program by visiting the Travel page on the CBP Web site. ( SENTRI ) The application process takes approximately six to eight weeks to complete with a membership fee of $122.25.

The program gives members access to the dedicated vehicle and pedestrian lanes for five years. Applicants must pass a background check, fingerprint submission, and an in-person interview with a CBP officer.

Program members receive an enhanced Radio Frequency Identification SENTRI card that meets the requirements of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative for proper documents for U.S. citizens who cross the border by land or sea, which will go into effect June 1, 2009.

The trusted traveler program is a critical component of the Security and Prosperity Partnership between the U.S. and Mexico and meets the goal of facilitating low risk travelers.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.