Biden reopens border railroad crossings after Democratic backlash

The Federal Government Reopens ‌Shuttered Railroad Crossings at Southern Border

The federal⁤ government has made the decision to reopen ​two‍ previously ‍closed railroad crossings at the southern border, much to the relief of both Republicans and Democrats. ‌This move comes ⁤after ‌all trains were halted from entering the country at these ports since Monday, causing frustration among lawmakers.

Resuming⁣ Operations at Eagle Pass and ⁣El Paso

United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced on Friday afternoon that trains would once again be admitted at the ports of entry in Eagle Pass, Texas, and El Paso, Texas.‌ This decision‍ comes despite the ‍ongoing issue of illegal⁢ immigration in both cities.

“Beginning December 22, 2023 at 2:00 pm Eastern, CBP’s Office of Field Operations will ⁣resume‌ operations at the international railway crossing bridges in Eagle Pass and El Paso, ​Texas,” CBP said in a statement Friday.

The agency also emphasized its commitment to border security and ‌enforcing immigration laws:

“CBP will continue ‌to prioritize our border security mission as necessary in response to‍ this evolving situation. We continue to assess security situations, adjust our‍ operational plans, and ​deploy resources to‌ maximize enforcement efforts ​against those noncitizens who do not use lawful pathways or processes such as ​CBP One™ and those without a⁢ legal basis to remain in the United States,” the agency said in a statement.

Positive Response from Lawmakers

Lawmakers from both parties welcomed the decision ⁤to⁢ reopen the cross-border railways,⁢ recognizing the negative economic impact‌ caused by their closure:

“Today, cross-border rail ⁤operations in Eagle Pass and El Paso will resume. The closure of these​ two⁢ crossings ​had a detrimental economic impact that disrupted critical trade and commerce,” said Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX), whose district includes ‍both cities. “Our⁢ focus must be on putting ⁣solutions forward that ensure a closure like this does not happen‍ again in⁢ the future.”

Rep. ​Henry Cuellar (D-TX), whose district is⁣ near Eagle Pass, also expressed his support:

“We need to have‍ order and control at our borders, and ⁢we need to​ prioritize the flow of legitimate trade and travel through our ports to keep ‌our economies strong,” Cuellar wrote⁢ in a post to X, formerly Twitter.

Continued Challenges and Efforts

While the reopening of the rail crossings is a ​positive step,​ other ports‌ of entry remain closed. The Lukeville port of entry​ in southcentral Arizona has been closed⁤ for nearly three weeks, despite criticism from Democrats. Additionally, the pedestrian crossing bridge in California, which sees 20,000 legal ⁣crossings daily,⁣ remains closed.

President Joe Biden has also taken ⁢action by sending ⁣senior administration ⁢officials to‌ Mexico ‍for talks ​on addressing the illegal immigration crisis.

As the situation continues ⁤to evolve, the federal government is committed​ to finding‌ solutions and ensuring the⁤ security​ of the ⁣border ‍while facilitating legitimate trade and travel.

Why is the reopening of these railroad crossings seen as ⁢a positive step towards resolving border security and immigration issues

And work closely with our partners to protect the safety of the American people while facilitating lawful trade and travel,”⁣ the statement‌ read.

Halting⁣ ⁢Train Traffic

The decision to halt train traffic ⁤at these ports of entry ⁢was made earlier this week in ⁣response to⁤ heightened concerns over border security and immigration.‌‌ Lawmakers from both parties expressed⁢ frustration over the ​lack of action being taken to ​address these issues.

Senator John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, called for immediate action to secure the border ‍and prevent illegal ⁤immigration:

“We need to end the catch and release policy and enforce our immigration laws. ‍It is imperative that we take decisive action to address‍ the crisis at the southern border,” Senator Cornyn said in a statement ⁢on Monday.

Democrats, on the other hand, requested more resources and support for processing asylum seekers and facilitating legal⁢ immigration.‍‌‍

The Impact of ​Closed Railroad Crossings

The closure of these railroad crossings had a significant impact on ‍​trade⁣ and​ travel in the area. ‌These ports of entry serve⁢ as important trade routes, with trains carrying goods and commodities between Mexico and⁤ the United States.

Local‍ businesses and communities⁣ also felt the ‍effects of the shutdown. The closures⁢ created traffic congestion and delays for commuters and⁤ travelers, causing inconvenience and frustration.

A‌ Bipartisan ​Agreement

The decision ⁢to reopen‍ these ⁤railroad ‌crossings ⁣has been welcomed by both Republicans and Democrats as a step towards resolving the ongoing border security and immigration issues. It is ⁢a bipartisan agreement that acknowledges the importance of trade and travel while ensuring that border security concerns ​are addressed.

Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas, ⁢commended⁣ the decision to resume operations at the railroad crossings:

“Reopening⁢ these railroad ‌crossings is a wise​ decision that ​will benefit both our economy and national security. It is crucial that we maintain and ‌strengthen our trade relationships​ with ‌our neighbors while ensuring that our borders are secure,” Senator Cruz stated.

Senator ‍Kirsten Gillibrand, a Democrat ⁢from New York, also expressed her support:

“The reopening of⁣ these crossings is ⁣a positive step forward in finding common ground on border security. We must continue to work together to find comprehensive solutions that address‌ the root causes of migration while upholding ⁤our American values,” Senator⁤ Gillibrand said.

Moving Forward​

The reopening of⁤ these railroad ⁣crossings is a temporary solution to the‌ ongoing border security and immigration issues. ‌It is clear that a more comprehensive approach is needed⁢ to address the underlying causes of migration and to ensure the safety and security of the United⁢ States.

Lawmakers from both parties have stated their commitment to finding long-term solutions and urged⁣ the federal government to take immediate action. This includes addressing‍ the economic and social factors that contribute to migration, improving border‌ infrastructure, and strengthening cooperation with our neighboring countries.

As the federal government reopens these shuttered railroad ⁤crossings, it is important to remember the value‍ of collaboration and compromise in ‌addressing complex issues. By working together, Republicans and Democrats can find common ground and make progress towards ‌a more secure and prosperous ‍future for‍ all Americans.

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