What Happens in Secondary Inspection at the Border?

Why do they send you to secondary?

The officer at the booth (primary inspection) can send you to an additional inspection for many reasons:

• Random inspection.
• Questions about your documents or the purpose of your trip.
• Need to process an I-94.
• Products you declared or that were detected in the car.
• A name match in the system.

What happens inside

You are asked to park your car in a designated area or go into a waiting room. They may search your vehicle, your bags and, in some cases, your phone. An officer will ask you questions about your trip, your job, your home address and your documents.

How to behave

1. Stay calm and be polite.
2. Answer truthfully and briefly. If you don't understand, ask them to repeat or request an interpreter.
3. Do not use your phone in the inspection area.
4. Do not sign documents you don't understand: ask for an explanation.
5. Bring proof of your ties to Mexico if you travel often: proof of address, proof of employment or school enrollment.

How long does it take?

It can be anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours, depending on the workload and the reason. There is no fixed time.

What if they don't let me in?

If the officer decides you are not admissible, they may offer to let you withdraw your application for admission or apply other, more serious measures. Read what happens if you are turned back at the border.