CBP Suspends International Rail Crossings Amid Surging Migration

The US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) has announced a temporary suspension of operations at international railway crossing bridges in Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas, starting Dec. 18, 2023, at 8:00 am. The decision aims to redirect personnel to assist the US Border Patrol to manage the increasing influx of migrants.

This move follows the suspension of vehicle processing operations at Eagle Pass International Bridge 1 in Eagle Pass, Texas, which connects with Piedras Negras, Coahuila; the reduction of vehicle processing in Lukeville, Arizona, connecting with Sonoyta, Sonora, since Nov. 27; and the Pedestrian West crossing in San Ysidro, California connecting Tijuana, Baja California, since Dec. 7. CBP emphasizes in its press release that it will continue to prioritize border security in response to the ongoing migration flow.

This is not the first time such measures have been taken this year. In September, CBP implemented similar actions, temporarily closing the international railway crossing bridge and the Las Americas Bridge. This decision created uncertainty and disruptions in supply chains, with potential economic losses estimated at US$2.1 billion, according to CANACAR.

Expressing concerns, the government of Eagle Pass released a statement highlighting worries of an ongoing suspension of northbound operations should the migrant crisis continues. There is also a looming threat of a full closure of Bridge 1 in Eagle Pass, Texas, if southbound operations are also suspended. Such a scenario could have a significant economic impact, especially during the peak season.

Rolando Salinas Jr., Mayor of Eagle Pass, expressed discontent and worry over the suspension. He pointed out that the adverse economic impact on Eagle Pass is substantial, as the number of bridge crossings significantly influences the city's financial revenue, constituting approximately 50% of the annual budget. 

In response to the situation, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador mentioned during a press conference on Dec. 13 that there had been a 31% increase in irregular migration between Nov. 1 to Nov. 7 (53,016) and Dec. 1 to Dec. 7 (69,462). He noted that while the situation has not worsened, steps are being taken to address and resolve the issue.