U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced a collaboration with Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway Company (CPKC) to enhance border security at the Laredo Rail Port of Entry. This partnership aims to increase the security of rail trade between the United States and Mexico.
“CBP is pleased to announce a partnership with the Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway Company. This partnership will increase lawful trade and travel by rail between the U.S. and Mexico,” stated Diane J. Sabatino, Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations.
As part of CBP’s Donations Acceptance Program, CPKC will provide a Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System Integrated Rail 6500 system. This equipment includes an Exploranium SRPM-210 radiation portal monitor designed to detect, locate, and categorize radiation threats in cargo entering or exiting the United States.
The new technology is expected to play a significant role in ensuring safe and secure rail trade between Mexico and the United States by allowing for complete scans of all trains passing through the port.
“We are committed to the safety and security of goods moving by rail across the U.S.-Mexico border,” said James Clements, executive vice president Strategic Planning and Corporate Services at CPKC. “This equipment, funded by CPKC and donated to CBP, is a key component in our industry-best secure international trade rail corridor between the United States and its largest trading partner, Mexico.”
CPKC submitted their proposal under CBP's Donations Acceptance Program in November 2024, with an agreement finalized in December 2024. The state-of-the-art VACIS system is now operational on the Patrick J. Ottensmeyer International Railway Bridge connecting Laredo to Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico.
According to 6 U.S.C. § 301a and related legislation under the Homeland Security Act of 2002, CBP can accept donations from private sector entities for port-of-entry improvements including construction, operations, and maintenance activities.
Public-private partnerships like this one are essential components of CBP’s Resource Optimization Strategy aimed at enhancing services and infrastructure at domestic ports of entry.
For more information about these initiatives or other programs facilitated by CBP, visit www.cbp.gov/DAP.
CBP serves as America's frontline law enforcement organization with over 65,000 personnel dedicated to protecting national borders on land, air, and sea while facilitating safe travel and trade for economic prosperity.
