LAREDO: A mutual customs agreement between the U.S. and Mexico will mean faster customs service, and more business in Laredo.
A customs facility built at the Laredo airport will allow Mexican officers to work in the U.S. and pre-clear cargo headed to Mexico.
On the Mexican side, American customs officers would be clearing cargo headed north.
The one thing stopping the deal was Mexican law that had restricted foreign officers from carrying weapons.
But a bill allowing U.S. Customs officers to carry guns has now passed.
Now Customs and Border Protection is drafting policy to implement the agreement.
“Protocols for the Mexicans in the U.S., Protocols for the U.S. in Mexico. We’re talking about CBP officers and Mexican Aduanas.”
Mexican customs officers will be allowed to carry guns at the customs office in Laredo.
Airport supports the agreement, saying the service will attract businesses to come here and spend less time in cargo processing.
