“Unprecedented” Border Arrivals Prompted the Closures
Following a temporary closure, operations at the rail border crossings between the U.S. and Mexico in Eagle Pass and El Paso have resumed as of Friday afternoon. The closures were a response to an increase in migrants traveling on freight trains, with authorities reporting “unprecedented” arrivals at the border, surpassing 10,000 crossings on some days this month.
Industry Losses Estimated at $200 Million Daily
The closures affected two out of six available rail border crossings, resulting in significant losses for various industries. Union Pacific and BNSF, the affected carriers, estimated daily losses of $200 million across automotive, agricultural, chemical, and consumer goods sectors.
Efforts to Restore Normal Operations Underway
While the reopening of the rail border crossings has been met with relief, both Union Pacific and BNSF are working diligently to address the backlog of shipments caused by the closures. Union Pacific stated that they would restore normal operations as quickly as possible.
CBP Cites Smuggling Trends as Reason for Closure
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) made the decision to close the rail border crossings after observing a shift in smuggling operations using freight trains. However, both Union Pacific and BNSF assured that they have safety measures in place to deter and detect migrants attempting to cross illegally aboard their trains.
Other Border Closures Still in Effect
While rail operations have resumed, other ports of entry and crossings remain closed. Vehicular traffic at one of the two international bridges in Eagle Pass is still suspended, and a pedestrian entry in San Diego, a port of entry in Lukeville, Arizona, and a border crossing in Nogales, Arizona, are also still closed.
Stakeholders Express Disapproval
Stakeholders, including the Association of American Railroads and the Nebraska Farm Bureau, have expressed disapproval over the federal government’s decision to close the rail border crossings. They emphasized the need for long-term solutions and called for the allocation of resources to secure the southern border.
Calls for Action from Politicians and Officials
Politicians, both Republican and Democratic, have urged President Biden to take the situation seriously and called on Mexico to play a more significant role in immigration enforcement. President Biden spoke with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and agreed to enhance border enforcement to facilitate the reopening of the crossings.
Negotiations and Talks Underway
As debates over border policy changes continue, a delegation of top U.S. officials is expected to visit Mexico to discuss how to enforce immigration rules at the shared border. López Obrador expressed willingness to reduce the number of migrants accessing the U.S. through Mexico and emphasized the importance of establishing agreements with Venezuela and Cuba, as well as receiving more development aid for migrants’ home countries.
