(WBAP/KLIF) – A recent directive at the Texas-Mexico border is impacting more than just immigration.
Governor Abbott is increasing vehicle inspections by state troopers at the border. The Governor’s directive was a response to the end of Title-42 in May, which is expected to bring a surge of border crossings.
The increased checks have led to delays and long wait times for truckers.
Texas International Produce Association’ President Dante Galeazzi said it’s not fair that the state is “punishing the good players to get to the bad players.”
“On behalf of the Texas International Produce Association, and $9 billion dollars and more than 1.28 billion pounds of fresh produce that cross from Mexico into Texas annually, we implore you to modify the deployment of this enforcement action in light of the dramatic impacts it is having on the movement of trade,” Galeazzi said in a letter to the Governor. “Border security is an important element of this region, but so is the trade that keeps millions of Texans employed. According to a study from Texas A&M, fresh produce arriving from Mexico not only employs nearly 8,000 Texans but is also responsible for $850M in economic impact to the state.”
According to Galeazzi, warehouses have staff sitting idle, with no trucks to unload.
On Monday, Mexican truckers, many who get paid by the truck load, began protesting the Governor’s policy on the Mexico side of the border.
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