New Mexico’s border faces major shifts as El Paso bridge closes for years
A significant change is on the horizon for the U.S.-Mexico border in New Mexico. The application for a new border crossing in Santa Teresa has been resubmitted to President Biden. Meanwhile, the Bridge of the Americas in El Paso is set to close for at least three years due to major renovations, which will redirect thousands of trucks from Juárez, Mexico, to alternative routes.
Sunland Park, a community along the border, is gearing up for these changes. The town is home to Mount Cristo Rey, a popular tourist spot, and has been pushing for a border crossing to boost local development. The planned closure of the Bridge of the Americas will likely increase truck traffic through Santa Teresa, which has already seen a rise in commercial and passenger vehicle traffic in recent years.
Sunland Park's police force has been playing an active role in border security. They have assisted federal agencies in detecting migrant stash houses and have been deputized to enforce the law outside city limits to tackle illegal shooting in the desert. The police have also been helping migrants injured while crossing the border wall or in the harsh desert conditions.
The renewed application for a border crossing in Santa Teresa could provide relief to the expected surge in truck traffic due to the Bridge of the Americas closure. However, the permanent ban on trucks at the bridge is likely to have a lasting impact on border traffic patterns. Sunland Park, with its unique geographical setting and proactive law enforcement, is well-positioned to adapt to these changes.
