Situation Assessment

The City of Laredo finds that the construction of a “security” fence of any kind on the United States side of the Rio Grande River to be an expensive proposition that will not enhance national security, but will be an insulting symbol to our Mexican neighbors. The City calls on all Members of Congress to oppose the funding of any such construction, but if a barrier must be built that an alternative as the City of Laredo’s River Vega project be funded.

Background

One of the last acts of the 109th Congress in 2006 was passage of The Secure Fence Act of 2006 (H.R.6061). The law requires, among other actions, the installation of a fence along the U.S.-Mexico border from 15 miles northwest of Laredo south to Brownville. .

The City of Laredo feels such a fence jeopardizes longstanding business and commercial connections with our Mexican neighbors. The City of Laredo works in concert with all U.S. federal authorities and collaborates with international authorities to initiate and maintain bi-national agreements to render aid in emergency situations to Mexico. For example, the Laredo Fire Department responds to and maintains vigilance over the river vega when there is a fire on either side of the Rio Grande River because of the volatile nature of the fire to jump the river. Also, the Laredo Police Department aids federal authorities in various capacities along the river, including responding to emergency calls for law enforcement services and in flooding situations. These situations, which arise with frequency, require easy access to the river.

Solution

The City of Laredo asks that all members of congress reject funding of the construction of the fence Furthermore, federal funding and resources would be better spent on the Department of Homeland Security for the U.S. Border Protection and Custom division and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement division to increase personnel, technological equipment and infrastructure, as well as for local municipal first-responder services. The City of Laredo would respectfully ask all members of Congress and the Homeland Security Department to adopt the City's River Vega project which incorporates a widening and deepening of the river through the construction of a weir, which will not only improve the aesthetics, but will create an enhanced physical barrier, improve surveillance opportunities, and meet the legislative mandate of a barrier by means of a virtual fence. Finally, the Laredo River Vega project could also serve as an alternative model for other communities to follow.

Progress

Presentations on the River Vega project have been made to Congress, the DHS and the local federal law enforcement personal. All have voiced support for the concept, but no funding have been offered.

Target Agencies

Congress
DHS

Contact

Mike Pescador
Parks and Recreation Director
2201 China Piedra Street
Laredo, Texas 78043
Phone: (956) 796-2350
Fax: (956) 795-2353
Email: mpescador@ci.laredo.tx.us