May X, 2017
Acting Commissioner Kevin McAleenan
Office of the Commissioner
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Room 4.4A
Washington, DC 20229
Dear Commissioner McAleenan:
I am writing to bring an important matter to your attention as you take over as leader of U.S.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP). I represent Texas’ 28th district, which includes nearly 180
miles of the U.S.-Mexico border as well as my hometown of Laredo. As you know, cross-border
trade and travel is a hallmark of daily life as well as a central economic driver along the border.
The border’s central role in our lives require us to pursue a border security and customs
enforcement strategy that balances robust security and enforcement with efficient processing of
traffic at ports. Unnecessary delays are a drain on the border region’s economy and quality of
life, as well as our border officers’ time and resources.
I understand CBP is pursuing automation of its cargo processing system for tractor trailers in
commercial lanes at land ports, moving from a manual system towards a technology-based one
that could reduce traffic delays at border crossings while allowing officers to maintain their own
safety and rigor of enforcement. I also understand CBP plans to develop a pilot testing different
technologies for automation at Laredo Juarez-Lincoln Port of Entry. I applaud these efforts to
build a system suited to the needs of a bustling port like Laredo, and I hope that Congress’ recent
passage of FY 2017 funding omnibus will push these efforts forward.
I also hope that CBP will conduct a full and fair review of the applicability and efficacy
of potential solutions for automation, including high-accuracy license plate readers (LPRs), a
thoroughly vetted and proven technology in border security. I am extremely interested in
ensuring that our border officers and economy benefit from the efficiency and safety
improvements the most effective, accurate, and reliable technology can offer. I ask that the CBP
keep me informed about their progress in reviewing the merits of different technologies for this
automation effort, as well as their overall progress in developing and executing this pilot at
Laredo Juarez-Lincoln Port of Entry.
Thank you for reading and for considering my request. Please consider me and my office as a
resource to your efforts to effectively and safely automate commercial vehicle processing.
Respectfully,

Henry Cuellar
Member of Congress