Chaos erupted at the U.S.-Mexico border Monday as President Donald Trump, within minutes of being sworn in, shut down the CBP One app, a platform used to schedule border entry appointments.
The decision left migrants, many of whom had waited months for scheduled appointments, in despair. Margelis Tinoco, a Colombian woman hoping to cross into El Paso, Texas, said she was “devastated” after the app went offline. Cuban migrant Yaime Perez, also awaiting entry, broke into tears as her plans were abruptly derailed.
The CBP One app, introduced during the Biden administration, had processed an estimated one million entries and allowed asylum seekers to schedule appointments at U.S. border crossings. It also expedited customs processes for tourists.
A notice posted on the Customs and Border Protection website confirmed the app’s suspension, stating, “Effective January 20, 2025, all existing appointments have been canceled.”
Trump announced the move during his inauguration speech, declaring a national emergency at the southern border. “Illegal entry will be halted immediately,” he told supporters, promising to enforce stricter immigration policies.
Migrants at the border expressed anger and frustration. Johnny Flores, 36, of Venezuela, who arrived for his 1 p.m. appointment early, pleaded with Trump’s administration to honor previously scheduled entries.
“It’s unfair,” Flores said. “We waited for months to do this legally, and now they pull the rug out from under us.”
Others recounted the perilous journeys they had undertaken—crossing continents, enduring exploitation, and facing violence—to reach the U.S. border.
El Paso temporarily shut its border crossings Monday, deploying riot-gear-clad authorities as migrants scrambled to understand the new policies.
The app’s suspension is part of Trump’s broader immigration overhaul. His administration plans to reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy, requiring asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while awaiting court hearings.
Additional day-one actions include ending catch-and-release, sending troops to the border, and reviewing birthright citizenship laws. Trump also signaled plans to halt refugee programs and reassess asylum policies.
While Trump’s supporters praised his renewed focus on border security, critics argue some proposals could face legal challenges, particularly regarding the 14th Amendment and birthright citizenship.
