MEDIA ADVISORY MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 2003 WWW.USDOJ.GOV AG (202) 514-2008 TDD (202) 514-1888 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Attorney General John Ashcroft and Acting INS Commissioner Michael Garcia will participate in a SENTRI Enrollment Office Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the Otay Mesa Port-of-Entry in San Diego, California. They will also hold a press availability following the event on TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2003.
SENTRI (Secure Electronic Network for Travelers' Rapid Inspection) is the world's first automated dedicated commuter lane. The program uses automated vehicle information technology to promote enhanced border security and facilitate the legitimate flow of low-risk travelers crossing the southern border. SENTRI was first implemented at the Otay Mesa Port-of-Entry on Nov. 1, 1995. The new and expanded enrollment center will enable the INS to boost the number of motorists being processed for participation in the local program by almost 30 percent.
WHO:Attorney General John Ashcroft and Acting INS Commissioner Michael Garcia WHAT:SENTRI Enrollment Office Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Press Availability WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2003 Ribbon-Cutting - 1:55 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (4:55 p.m. EST) (Media preset at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time) Press Availability - 2:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (6:30 p.m. EST) (Pool preset at 2:15 p.m. Pacific Standard Time) WHERE:Otay Mesa Port-of-Entry San Diego, California (MORE) BACKGROUND FOR EVENT/ MEDIA SPECIFICS: The ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled to occur outdoors in front of the Otay Mesa Port-of-Entry and media will be asked to show valid press credentials.
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Attorney General and INS Commissioner will tour the new enrollment center. Due to space constraints, that portion of the event will limited to pool coverage. Prior arrangements for this have already been made.
The subsequent press availability will be indoors. Members of the press will be escorted from the ribbon-cutting event to the press availability location by Justice Department staff. A press release will be distributed by the INS at the beginning of the event.
Media interested in covering the event should call the Justice Department's Office of Public Affairs at 202-514-2007 to confirm attendance.
To reach the Otay Mesa Port-of-Entry, take I-5 or I-805 South to 905 East. Follow 905 East to Siempre Viva Road. Turn left on Siempre Viva and right on Roll Road. Proceed through stop sign and a uniformed INS officer will lead you to the media parking area.
Media vans will be directed to the designated parking area upon arrival. 03-011
Source: US Department of Justice
