The recent death of an American citizen at a U.S.-Mexico land port of entry near Eagle Pass, Texas, has sparked a plea for urgent reform by the Texas Border Coalition (TBC). The 51-year-old man suffered an apparent heart attack after waiting for over 8 hours at Port of Entry No. 2, which was experiencing a temporary halt in operations over the Christmas holidays. Despite prompt medical assistance from emergency responders, the man tragically passed away.

Expressing deep concern, El Paso County Commissioner and TBC Chairman David Stout stated, "This was a tragic incident that could have been avoided." He emphasized the need to address prolonged wait times at border crossings to prevent similar incidents in the future. The TBC has been advocating for well-built, equipped, and staffed border crossings for over 15 years to effectively control the border, intercept lawbreakers, and facilitate legitimate trade and travel.

In a letter to the Texas border congressional delegation, the TBC urged lawmakers to take action by approving $6 billion in funding to replace aging infrastructure and technology, as well as hiring an additional 5,000 U.S. Customs inspectors. The coalition highlighted the economic impact of border delays, noting that 80 percent of all border trade, particularly freight related to manufacturing and logistics, passes through Texas into other states.

To address the issue of extended border delays, a bipartisan initiative called the Land Ports of Entry Modernization Trust Fund Act has been proposed. This initiative, authored by U.S. Representatives Henry Cuellar, Veronica Escobar, Vicente Gonzalez, and Tony Gonzales, aims to establish a trust fund to enhance land ports of entry, procure technology, and hire U.S. Customs and Border Protection staff. An oversight board would guide the utilization of the fund.

"Efficient and secure land ports of entry are essential to facilitate lawful trade and travel while ensuring the safety of our communities," Stout emphasized. "It is paramount to have a well-equipped workforce capable of managing both unexpected surges in migration and the routine functioning of our land ports."

The tragic incident near Eagle Pass serves as a reminder of the dire consequences of underfunded and understaffed border crossings. The TBC's plea for port of entry reform highlights the need for immediate action to prevent future incidents and ensure the efficient and secure flow of trade and travel across the border.

To learn more, click on this link: http://texasbordercoalition.org/news/tragic-border-crossing-incident-spurs-urgent-plea-for-port-of-entry-reform-by-texas-border-coalition/