EAGLE PASS, TX — The ongoing migrant surge in Eagle Pass has led to significant disruptions in cross-border commerce. As of Tuesday afternoon, railroad bridges crossing the Rio Grande into Mexico from Eagle Pass and El Paso remain closed. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), facing a challenging situation, report an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 migrants on the U.S. side, with around 7,000 more near Eagle Pass’s sister city, Piedras Negras.
Union Pacific Railroad, affected by the closures, stated, “Our other gateways cannot handle the extra traffic, leading to embargoes at both gateways.” The company's website mentions congestion at Fort Worth and Hillsboro due to these embargoes. The closures are impacting the transport of various goods, including grain, beer, consumer goods, and industrial commodities.
Glenn Hammer, CEO of the Texas Association of Business, expressed concerns over the situation: "While we support a secure border, these closures disrupt legal trade and commerce at a critical time," he stated.
Bill Melugin of Fox News, reporting from Lukeville, Arizona, another area experiencing a surge in migrant crossings, relayed that CBP agents in Eagle Pass are facing similar challenges. According to Melugin, more than 12,600 migrants were encountered across the southern border on a single day, a record high.
Congressman Byron Donalds cited a report indicating that 5,300 migrants are in CBP custody, with facilities operating at overcapacity.
Congressman August Pfluger and Congressman Tony Gonzales commented on the situation, expressing concern over federal policies and their impact on local communities.
The deployment of razor wire by Gov. Greg Abbott has been a response to manage the situation, though its effectiveness is debated.
In the legislative arena, Texas recently passed Senate Bill 4, sponsored by Senator Charles Perry, which authorizes state law enforcement to arrest individuals based on their immigration status. This bill has sparked controversy, with the ACLU of Texas announcing plans to sue the state, arguing that the bill could lead to racial profiling and violates constitutional rights.
The situation in Eagle Pass highlights the complex interplay of immigration policy, border security, and economic impacts. As the community grapples with these challenges, the debate continues over the best approach to manage and respond to the surge in migrant crossings.
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