El Paso CBP Employees Struggle Financially Due to Government Shutdown

The ongoing partial government shutdown is affecting local Customs and Border Protection (CBP) employees in El Paso, particularly support staff and administrative workers who are not receiving paychecks. While frontline officers remain unaffected, the financial strain is significant for approximately 150 employees represented by the National Treasury Employee Union (NTEU) chapter 143, which spans from Albuquerque to Presidio. President Gustavo Sanchez highlighted that rising gasoline prices and food costs are making it increasingly difficult for these workers to commute and manage daily expenses. The shutdown also impacts other Department of Homeland Security branches, including TSA and FEMA, raising concerns about the overall operational capacity.

Key Details: • Approximately 150 CBP employees affected, including support and administrative staff. • NTEU chapter 143 covers the area from Albuquerque, NM, to Presidio, TX. • Rising gasoline prices and food costs are creating additional financial burdens. • Frontline CBP officers at Ports of Entry are not affected by the shutdown.