U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that northbound border traffic between Tijuana and San Diego will come to a brief halt on Thursday, September 11, as part of the commemoration of the 24th anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks.
The pause will take place at 5:46 a.m. Pacific Time (8:46 a.m. Eastern Time), the exact moment when American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York.
According to CBP, the moment of silence will be observed at the San Ysidro, Otay Mesa, Tecate, and Calexico West ports of entry, with operations resuming immediately afterward.
Officials emphasized that the symbolic pause is meant to honor the victims of the September 11 attacks while ensuring minimal disruption to travelers. CBP advised those planning to cross the border early Wednesday morning to allow extra time and to remain patient during the brief interruption.
To check real-time updates, travelers are encouraged to consult the Border Wait Times portal or download the CBP Border Wait Times mobile app, available on the App Store and Google Play. The tool provides hourly updates to help drivers choose the most efficient crossing point.
CBP noted that similar commemorative pauses have been held in past years, underscoring the agency’s commitment to remembrance while maintaining operational continuity along the U.S.–Mexico border.
