In a move stirring widespread concern, the recent closure of international railway crossings at Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas, by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has ignited debate over its economic repercussions and its relevance to the ongoing border challenges.
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) sounded the alarm, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the North American rail network and highlighting the urgent need for the crossings’ swift reopening.
AAR President and CEO Ian Jefferies stressed that the shutdown was disrupting operations for two major Class I railroads – Union Pacific and BNSF – impacting the movement of diverse goods, including agricultural products, automotive parts, finished vehicles, chemicals, and consumer goods across the continent. The disruption extended beyond these specific companies, affecting the entire rail network.
U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) squarely placed blame on the Biden administration, attributing the closures to the unresolved border challenges. He urged substantive policy changes and serious border security measures to rectify the situation, indicating that Border Patrol agents had emphasized the need for policy shifts during recent visits.
The Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) echoed these concerns, expressing deep apprehension over the economic ramifications of the closures. NEFB President Mark McHargue criticized the decision as “asinine” and emphasized the pivotal role these crossings play in facilitating Nebraska’s agricultural trade with Mexico. McHargue highlighted that the closures would block over 60 trains or 10,000 rail cars daily, disrupting supply chains and negatively impacting both U.S. and Mexican economies.
The organization urged the immediate return of employees and the reopening of the Eagle Pass and El Paso rail crossings to mitigate the potential economic fallout.
