Staff

Eagle Pass A meeting was held on Wednesday at the International Center for Trade between officials from both Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras in reference to the general security of both existing international bridges as well as to discuss the protocol between the two neighboring communities in terms of this issue.  The traffic which crosses between the two countries is also a major concern at this time, especially that of commercial vehicles on International Bridge II. Emergency contingency plans were discussed in case of the closure of any or both international bridges which could be caused by a state of emergency.  The decision to close both bridges for an hour or more would only be done for the protection of the general population. A situation such as this would only affect commercial traffic and could cause economic losses for major corporations, therefore, it was discussed, that major lines of communications must exist between both countries. Marga Lopez, Director of International Bridges, stated that the meeting included members of the US Border Patrol as well as Mexican Customs as well as transportation authorities, police officials. Authorities stated that in case of an emergency situation such as a shootout on either side of the border such as the one which occurred approximately one month ago where International Bridge I was closed, the first to be informed would be Mexican Customs and the US Homeland Security as well as administration on both sides of the border. Several mock emergencies have been carried out in order to train for such situations and for preparedness in case such an emergency were to arise.