LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Noraida Negron,

LAREDO, TX – During Monday night’s City Council meeting, Mayor Dr. Victor D. Treviño addressed a significant update from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding plans to construct a border wall along the entire southern border, including areas within Laredo, Texas.

Mayor Treviño shared that the City of Laredo received official notice for the first time of the administration’s intent to advance one of President Trump’s key priorities, the construction of a border wall spanning the U.S./Mexico border.

“As part of our regular meetings with Border Patrol, we have had several conversations with officials from Border Patrol and Homeland Security on our current state of border apprehensions, encounters, got-aways and splash downs,” said Mayor Dr. Treviño. “Throughout these meetings, it has been mentioned that while apprehensions are at historic lows, the encounters which involve Mexican drones, got-aways, and high-speed chases continue to be a concern. However, today, the City of Laredo received official notice of the administration’s plan to build a border wall along the entire southern border, a decision that includes the Laredo area.”

Mayor Treviño emphasized the importance of approaching this issue with unity and factual understanding, rather than partisanship.

“This issue impacts our local history, environment, economy, and quality of life thus impacting all Laredoans,” Treviño continued. “It is important that we engage these discussions with facts as they relate to our specific community because, irrespective of what is decided, this will change our community forever. Understanding that political season has already started, I want to caution the temptation of making this a partisan issue or political pandering. We must send a clear and consistent message to both Austin and Washington, D.C. Anything short of that runs the risk of sending mixed messages, which could be very detrimental and divisive for our community.”

According to Mayor Dr. Treviño, DHS contractors presented planning and proposed timelines for border wall construction, including wall designs and accompanying technology.

“Our city continues to be the safest city in the state of Texas, and one of the safest cities in the United States, a status we have achieved without the need of a border wall,” added Mayor Dr. Treviño. “This decision is not about illegal crossings in our area; it is about the president’s campaign promises and chief priorities.”

Following executive session discussion, the Laredo City Council voted to reaffirm its position on supporting border security but not in support of a border wall within its residential areas and/or city limits. Additionally, Council directed that the matter be brought before the public through a poll to gather community input.

As the City reviews the Department of Homeland Security’s plans to build a wall along the entire southern border of Texas, the City of Laredo will engage the public to have active dialogue as it relates to the impacts on the environment, community, commerce, history, and identity.