A controversial policy enacted by Texas Governor Greg Abbott has created massive gridlock at various Texas-Mexico border crossings. The policy calls for inspections of commercial trucks from Mexico to check for migrants. Experts have raised concerns that the policy will slow the import of produce to the point that American consumers will start to feel the effects soon.
On Wednesday, Abbott announced that a deal had been made with the Governor of Nuevo Leon that would halt inspections at that specific crossing. The agreement with Nuevo Leon reportedly includes inspections on the Mexican side of the border. Abbott indicated that the policy would remain in place until neighboring Mexican states reach deals with Texas.
Border gridlock may cause rising consumer costs
Warnings have come from both sides of the border and the political aisle about Abbott’s order. Many are concerned that the inspections will pass costs onto the American public. Mexico is one of the largest suppliers of food and agricultural products to the US. US consumers are already dealing with record inflation and the rising cost of living around the country. So, the prospect of a further increase in food costs has not been well received.
On Tuesday, a large contingent of truckers blocked a port of entry in New Mexico in protest. The protestors said processing times at the border, once typically 2-3 hours, ballooned to 14 hours as a result of Abbott’s order.
Many believe that Abbott’s motivations are primarily political in nature. Part of Abbott’s policy includes busing migrants to Washington, D.C., the first of which arrived on Wednesday.
The policy is part of a longer fight with the Biden Administration over its rollback of a pandemic border policy. That policy limited asylum-seekers in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
All truckers who have a Texas DOT number should be aware of how this policy could affect their routes. If you do not typically cross the border, you shouldn’t have any major issues in the coming weeks. However, you could feel the effects of the policy elsewhere, like in the grocery store.
