A US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) computer problem has hit several US airports, causing long lines and delays at immigration checks as travellers returned from New Year's holidays, airport officials said.
CBP said in a statement it was experiencing a temporary problem it described as a "technology disruption" at various ports of entry. It offered no information on the cause of the problem or if computer hacking may have been a factor.
"Travellers at some ports of entry are experiencing longer than usual wait times and CBP officers are working to process travellers as quickly as possible while maintaining the highest levels of security," it said.
Airports in places such as New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Boston and Atlanta were affected, officials said.
Travellers posted images of queues and claims of shoving and fighting at Miami Airport.
"Please be advised, @CustomsBorder outage is nationwide. They are working to restore. Thanks for your patience," Miami International Airport said on its Twitter feed.
Los Angeles International Airport also said on its Twitter feed they were experiencing problems that were part of a nationwide Customs and Border Patrol outage.
Social media photos showed long lines at various airports where people were trying to go through immigration and customs.
