CBP names new port director for Calexico

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) named David Salazar as area port director for the Calexico ports of entry on Thursday.

Salazar is a career federal law enforcement officer with more than 20 years of experience involving international travelers and trade along the California-Calexico border. He succeeds long-time Port Director Billy Whitford, who retired in January.

Salazar will provide directional oversight for all passenger, air, rail and cargo inspectional operations as part of his new position.

“I’m pleased to announce the selection of David Salazar to the position of Area Port Director for the Calexico ports of entry,” Pete Flores, director of field operations for San Diego and Imperial Counties, said. “David has taken on several challenges throughout his career and has risen through the ranks, so I am confident he will provide outstanding leadership in this critical position.”

The two Calexico ports of entry are responsible for processing an average of more than 22,000 vehicles, 13,000 pedestrians and more than 6,000 SENTRI participants each day.

The port also seeks to intercept illegal narcotics, undocumented migrants, prohibited agriculture and wanted felons.

The port itself facilitates the processing of approximately 1,000 cargo containers and $26 million worth of imported merchandise on a daily basis.

Prior to his appointment, Salazar served with the Immigration and Naturalization Service from 1995 to 2004. After that, he accepted the position of assistant port director at the Calexico ports, serving until his promotion to area port director.