By Joel Langton
The 830 Times
After rumors had been swirling through Del Rio since noon, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection closed the Del Rio Port of Entry to traffic going into and out of Mexico at about 6 p.m.
Citing public safety at a noon time news conference, Bruno Lozano, mayor of the City of Del Rio, said he planned to close the bridge immediately.
“The Department of Homeland Security closed it because of safety, health and security on the international bridge,” said Lozano.
Previously, Greg Abbott, governor of Texas had tried to close the border as well.
Below is the press release from Customs and Border Protection announcing the closure.
CBP Temporarily Re-Routing Trade, Travel Traffic From Del Rio Port of Entry
to Eagle Pass Port of Entry
DEL RIO, Texas –U.S. Customs and Border Protection today announced that the Office of Field Operations (OFO) Del Rio Port of Entry will temporarily close and re-route traffic from Del Rio to Eagle Pass to more effectively manage resources and ensure uninterrupted flow of trade and travel. Consistent with established cross border travel management procedures, traffic that normally uses the Amistad Dam International Bridge and the Del Rio International Bridge will be directed 57 miles east to the Eagle Pass Port of Entry.
This temporary closure and shift is necessary in order for CBP to respond to urgent safety and security needs presented by an influx of migrants into Del Rio and is effective immediately. It will advance and protect national interests and help ensure the safety of the traveling public, commercial traffic, and CBP employees and facilities.
The writer of this article can be reached at joelalangton@gmail.com.
