CBP Spends $28.7M on Border Patrol Garage in California
U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced a $28.7 million vehicle maintenance facility at the Newton-Azrak Border Patrol Station in Murrieta, California. The project, funded by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, replaces a rented off-site garage the station has used since 1997. For immigrants living near the southern border, expanded CBP infrastructure signals continued — and likely intensified — enforcement operations in the region.
What CBP Is Building — and Why It Matters
CBP held a press conference on September 18, 2026, to announce the project. The new facility will bring vehicle maintenance, a fueling station, a wash rack, an impound lot, overnight storage, and secure parking all onto one site at the Newton-Azrak Station. Right now, mechanics service more than 92 vehicles — about five vehicles and one all-terrain vehicle per day — but must drive them to an off-site commercial garage that CBP describes as "in disrepair." That logistical gap, officials say, pulls resources away from active border operations.
San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Justin De La Torre said at the press conference: "A vehicle that is not ready cannot support an agent in the field. That is why fleet readiness is mission readiness." The project also includes upgrades to the station's electrical grid and a reinforced emergency power system to keep operations running during outages.
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How the Contract Was Awarded
CBP awarded a $23 million design-build contract to the Haskell Company. To speed up the process, CBP used an existing U.S. Coast Guard indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract — a type of flexible federal purchasing agreement — rather than starting a new standalone procurement. The remaining project costs cover planning, management, and infrastructure upgrades beyond the construction contract itself. CBP's Office of Facilities and Asset Management is overseeing the work.
What This Means for Immigrants in the Area
The Newton-Azrak Station patrols backroads and highways leading north from the border. A fully operational, on-site fleet means agents can respond faster and stay in the field longer. For immigrants living in or traveling through the Murrieta area — including those with pending asylum applications, TPS status, or DACA renewals — this expansion is a signal that enforcement capacity in the San Diego sector is growing. If you have any unresolved immigration issue, now is a practical time to review your status with a qualified immigration lawyer.
What to Do
- If you live near the Murrieta or San Diego area and have an open immigration case, contact an immigration lawyer to review your current status and any risk of enforcement contact.
- Know your rights if stopped by Border Patrol: you have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with an attorney before answering questions about your immigration status.
- If you are in removal proceedings, make sure you attend every immigration court hearing — missing a hearing can result in an order of removal issued in your absence.
- Keep copies of all your immigration documents (visa, work permit, asylum approval, DACA approval) accessible so you can show your status quickly if questioned.
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Expanded CBP infrastructure in a sector almost always correlates with higher enforcement activity on nearby roads and checkpoints. If you are undocumented, have a pending case, or are on a visa that is close to expiring, you should not wait for a problem to arise — consult an immigration attorney now to understand your options, including voluntary departure, which currently allows up to 120 days to leave the country under certain conditions. An attorney can also help you prepare a "know your rights" plan specific to your situation before any enforcement contact occurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Border Patrol stop me on a highway far from the border?
Yes. Border Patrol has authority to operate within 100 miles of any U.S. border, including interior checkpoints on highways. They can ask about your citizenship or immigration status. You have the right to remain silent, but refusing to answer at a checkpoint may lead to further detention for questioning.
What should I do if Border Patrol detains me?
Stay calm and do not run. Clearly state that you wish to remain silent and that you want to speak with an immigration lawyer. Do not sign any documents without legal advice. If you are taken into custody, ICE or CBP must allow you to make phone calls — use one to contact an attorney or a family member who can find one for you.
Does a bigger CBP facility mean more interior enforcement, not just border crossings?
Potentially yes. More operational vehicles and faster maintenance mean agents can cover more ground, including interior checkpoints and highway patrols. This is not limited to people crossing the border — it affects anyone traveling through the patrol zone.
If I have DACA or TPS, am I at risk from increased Border Patrol activity?
DACA and TPS provide protection from deportation while they are valid, but they do not prevent Border Patrol from stopping and questioning you. Always carry your approval notice or Employment Authorization Document (EAD — the work permit that also shows your protected status) when traveling near the border. If your DACA or TPS is expired or up for renewal, prioritize filing as soon as possible.