US Customs Computers Down, Affecting Travelers Nationwide

The U.S. Customs Borders and Protection agency experienced a nationwide computer outage Monday night, forcing delays at airports across the country where passengers are arriving from outside the country.

"It's a Customs issue; it's a nationwide issue," Greg Meyer, a spokesman for Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, told the Sun-Sentinel. "It's definitely going to be a less than ideal experience for passengers, but it's out of our control."

Atlanta and Boston were also reporting long lines, MSNBC reported. Two people fainted while waiting in line in Miami, Rachel Maddow reported.

Wait times in various airports are between 30 minutes and two hours, CNN reported.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport reported its computers were up and running again after 90 minutes, but the wait times continued even after computers were restored.

The agency said international travelers were being processed using "alternative procedures" until the problem is fixed.

The outage began about 6 p.m. ET, and the cause had not been determined as of Monday night.