CBP Reverses Port Raymond Hours After Less Than A Week

In a much expected press release, Customs and Border Protection announced that they would be reducing their hours of operation at POE Raymond in northeastern Montana from 24 to 18 hours a day. Less than a week later CBP reversed that decision and reinstated 24-hour operations.

A spokeswoman for CBP at Sweetgrass, Port of Entry on the Montana/Canadian border, Lynn Hurst said the decision came after receiving feedback both in person and in writing from community members, businesses and elected officials on the impacts of the hours change.

“The feedback included concerns about the potential impact that the adjustment of hours would have on the local communities,” wrote Hurst. “A decision was made to restore the hours of operation while CBP encourages the community to provide additional input. During this period, the community is also being asked to provide a plan for increased usage of the port during the hours that have been proposed for closure.”

It is unclear what is meant by a “plan for increased usage,” but the decision was implemented immediately and the port is again at full operation.

Earlier in 2019, CBP announced they were planning on reducing the hours at POE Raymond as well as eliminating expanded-summer hours at POEs Opheim, Scobey and Morgan. After a series of public meetings it looked apparent to many in the public that CBP was intent on the hours reductions regardless of public feedback. So it was not a shock when the initial statement heralded the reduction of hours at Raymond, but the quick reversal was unexpected.

CBP would not comment on the agency's decisions for the Ports of Opheim, Scobey or Morgan. Hurst stated, “CBP is currently considering the feedback received for the Ports of Morgan, Scobey and Opheim, and will announce its decision prior to June 1, 2019.”

All three of Montana’s elected officials in D.C. – Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines as well as Rep. Greg Gianforte – took some credit for CBP’s reversal. Both Senators cited their face-to-face meetings with Department of Homeland Security officials as reason for the change.

“The proposal to reduce port hours along Montana’s northern border harms our agriculture economy, and it’s a positive development that U.S. Customs and Border Protection is reversing course on the Port of Raymond for now,” Tester said. “But this Administration has got to show greater transparency on decisions of this magnitude. Next time they take aim at Montana’s economy, they better show up and listen to folks on the ground first.”

“Keeping the Raymond Port of Entry open at 24-hour status is a big win for rural Montana and jobs across our state,” Daines said. “I appreciate acting Commissioner Sander’s understanding that our rural economy strongly depends on trade with Canada, and the ports of Raymond, Morgan, Opheim and Scobey are essential for our farmers and ranchers.”

“Montana’s ports of entry are critical for farmers, ranchers, and business owners in eastern Montana,” Gianforte said. “I made it clear to CBP from day one that they should reverse its decision and actually listen to Montanans. CBP’s decision today is a step in the right direction, and I look forward to CBP listening to Montanans about the importance of leaving these ports open.”

Feedback is still being considered for the hours of operations at Ports in Opheim, Scobey and Morgan and can be sent to [email protected].