Senate Majority Task Force on Counterterrorism and Public Protection Member Senator Patty Ritchie recently had the opportunity to tour U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Ogdensburg Port of Entry.

Senator Ritchie, who also serves as co-chair of the International Border Caucus, has been visiting various locations in our region—including the Alexandria Bay Port of Entry, in addition to the Ogdensburg Port of Entry—that play a key role in keeping our region safe.

During these tours, Senator Ritchie is able to learn more about what New York State can do to keep our borders secure and our Customs and Border Protection Officers safe, as well as ways to improve relations with our Canadian neighbors and trade partners. Senator Ritchie also expressed her gratitude for the work our customs officers do everyday.

Originally created in 1931, the Ogdensburg Port of Entry has been tasked with everything from enforcing liquor smuggling across the St. Lawrence River during Prohibition and the illegal entry of enemies during World War II, to helping secure the St. Lawrence Seaway during its creation.  Today, it protects 48 miles of our border from Waddington, New York to the St. Lawrence and Jefferson County lines.

(Senator Ritchie is pictured with Customs and Border Protection Ogdensburg Port Director Timothy J. Walker)