LAREDO, Texas – McAllen leaders are working with federal officials on both sides of the border to guarantee international bridges will remain open, even if there are large protests on the day President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated.
Often civil, political or social groups decide to avoid residents using international bridges by blocking them, as a way to express their feeling regarding a variety of issues.
“Because of what was sent out we want to make sure we cover every angle,” Juan Olaguibel, director of operations at the McAllen-Hidalgo and Anzalduas International Bridges, said.
Olaguibel was referring to a story published by Mexican newspaper El Excelsior, where it states the organization known as El Barzon Nacional is requesting citizen’s support by blocking bridges on Jan. 20 in protest of a Trump presidency.
“The way a protest works is by they blocking the Mexican side,” Olaguibel said. “We are thinking if there’s any issue, it would be in the Pharr-Reynosa Bridge.”
Officials are meeting this Thursday to detail a contingency plan.
“We are meeting with all parties, including Mexico’s side,” he said.
Olaguibel said is very important to be prepare a method to redirect traffic and how to inform residents so traffic can move faster. “We do have a plan,” he said.
In the Laredo area, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) sent a statement explaining they are aware of planned protests on Friday.
“In the event that there is a temporary stoppage of traffic, CBP has business resumption plans in place to temporarily route passenger/commercial traffic to alternate port of entry locations to ensure the unimpeded flow of lawful trade and travel,” according to the document.
The documents adds that “CBP will continue to staff port locations during a temporary stoppage to maintain operational readiness, security and ensure timely resumption of processing.”
CBP added that it is monitoring the situation closely.
Editor’s Note: The main image accompanying this story shows demonstrators protesting Donald Trump’s visit to Mexico City last August. (Photo: New York Times/Adriana Zehbrauskas). Rio Grande Guardian reporter Stephanie Jara contributed to this story from McAllen, Texas.
