Insecurity at Border Forces Shutdown of Railroad Bridges

EAGLE PASS, TX — The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)'s decision to suspend railway operations at international crossings in Eagle Pass and El Paso on Monday morning, Dec. 18, 2023, at 8 a.m., underscores the escalating U.S.-Mexico border crisis. This move, aimed at reallocating resources to manage the surge in illegal migrant encounters, significantly impacts border security, immigration policy, and international trade.

CBP's strategy, a response to increased migrant encounters facilitated by smuggling organizations using freight trains, necessitates the suspension of railway operations. This decision, announced Sunday night, reflects the urgent need for more personnel to process the influx of illegal migrants at the Southwest Border, a situation worsened by smugglers exploiting vulnerable individuals.

Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23), a Republican, has voiced grave concerns about the impact on CBP personnel and the broader implications for national security and trade. Similarly, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28), a Democrat from a neighboring district, underscored the border crisis's severe effects on legitimate trade. Via Twitter, Cuellar noted that the suspension of vehicle and rail operations at multiple ports of entry has caused significant delays for truck drivers, adversely impacting the economy and costing millions.

Cuellar also emphasized the urgent need for more federal resources and tougher border measures, highlighting the necessity of securing the border to protect communities and the nation's economic interests.

National Public Radio and Fox News reports detail the unprecedented numbers of migrants in the Eagle Pass and El Paso areas, with Border Patrol overwhelmed by encounters surpassing 10,000 in a single day.

The railway operation suspension, while aiding border security enforcement, also brings significant economic repercussions. As major trading partners, disruptions in U.S.-Mexico rail transport can have extensive economic consequences. Congressman Cuellar's comments draw attention to these economic costs and transportation delays.

This situation unfolds amidst broader political negotiations and legislative actions. The Biden administration, criticized for its border policies since 2021, is in talks with Senate Republicans over immigration restrictions, linked to a foreign aid package to Ukraine. Texas Governor Greg Abbott's anticipated bill to arrest illegal migrants reflects states' increasing roles in immigration enforcement, potentially challenging federal authority, and costing State of Texas taxpayers billions.

El Paso's two railroad bridges across the Rio Grande, one bridge each for BNSF Railroad and Union Pacific, play a vital role in trade. In 2018, the Texas Comptroller reported that El Paso ports of entry contributed $81.9 billion in direct trade value, accounting for $25 billion in GDP and supporting 165,500 jobs.

The Eagle Pass rail bridge closure will likely impact beer imports from Mexico. Union Pacific's Falcon and Eagle premium intermodal services, carrying millions of cases of Modelo and Corona beer annually, use this bridge. Approximately 400,000 railcars cross northbound into the U.S. at Eagle Pass yearly, according to TxDOT. Currently 16 trains cross daily. Recent reports from Trains.com indicate plans for a second bridge at Eagle Pass that will be insulated behind customs inspection facilities.

Recent weeks have seen CBP impose temporary closures at various ports of entry, including the Lukeville port in Arizona and a pedestrian entrance in San Diego, as reported by Reuters. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, has ordered National Guard troops to the state's Mexico border, citing concerns for public safety and commerce.

San Angelo may also feel the impact. U.S. 277, part of the Ports-To-Plains Corridor, relies on rail crossings at Eagle Pass, and Laredo as well as truck traffic across the bridge in Del Rio. Del Rio lacks a railroad crossing and Laredo's bridge has been closed and reopened in the past for similar reasons. Laredo's railroad is not part of the recent CBP announcement.

Relief to these two closures could have been a boom for this area had elected officials prioritized the re-opening the rail line across the border at Presidio. San Angelo's Texas Pacifico Railroad is connected to Mexico through Presidio. There, a newly rebuilt bridge, while capable of being operational, has never re-opened after originally closing in 2008 when a fire engulfed the former wooden threstle. TxDOT is awaiting the construction of an inspection station. The Big Bend Sentinel reported a year ago that the station is expected to be complete in December 2024. The Presidio bridge connects the mostly unused San Angelo Rail Port with Mexican ports on the Pacific Ocean. The mostly unused San Angelo Rail Port was built with a taxpayer subsidy.