More than 150 guests attended the event, which straddled the U.S.-Mexico border at the bridge. The event began with a moment of silence for CBP Air Interdiction Agent Clinton Brady Thrasher, who lost his life in the line of duty Wednesday. Following the playing of both nation's anthems, officials addressed the border operations in the growing region.
"SENTRI is a smart way to manage an increasingly busy border," said W. Ralph Basham, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner. "SENTRI helps CBP meet our mission of protecting America against all threats while allowing low-risk border crossers to enter the U.S. quickly. It is the perfect marriage of security and facilitation,"
SENTRI provides a dedicated lane and expedited CBP processing for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. Applicants must voluntarily undergo a thorough biographical background check against criminal, law enforcement, customs, immigration, and terrorist indices, a 10-fingerprint law enforcement check, and a personal interview with CBP.
Once approved, a SENTRI participant is issued a Radio Frequency Identification Card (RFID) that will identify their record and status in the CBP database upon arrival at the U.S. port of entry. An RFID transponder is also issued to the applicant's vehicle. SENTRI users have access to a SENTRI dedicated commuter lane. Membership in the program does not exempt the vehicle and passengers from security screening.
Commissioner Basham added, "Today's SENTRI lane opening would have not been possible without the full participation and support of our Mexican partners."
The Veteran's SENTRI lane became operational in May 2006. Since then, SENTRI participation has increased from just a few participants in its early stages, today approximately 300 SENTRI users are making daily crossings. It is expected that these numbers will continue to climb.
The Veteran's SENTRI lane is operational seven days a week. On Monday thru Friday, the lane is available from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. On weekends the lane can be accessed 10 a.m. thru 8 p.m. The processing times for SENTRI users can be as short as one minute.
To enroll in SENTRI or obtain information, a prospective applicant may call the Brownsville SENTRI Enrollment Center at (956) 983-5668 . Applicants can also visit the Frequent Traveler Program on the CBP Web site. ( SENTRI: Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection)
As an added feature, applicants can from the convenience of their homes or offices, access CBP's Global Online Enrollment System. ( Global Online Enrollment System ) Through GOES, applicants can file their SENTRI applications online.
