As Texas reopens, border leaders say restrictions at international bridges should be lifted
โBut itโs difficult again.โThe international bridges that connect Texas and Mexico remain partially closed to noncitizens who canโt show their travel into Texas is considered essential, a definition that excludes people crossing for tourism or shopping. Because the bridges are under federal authority, Abbottโs orders donโt apply to border crossers. In fiscal year 2019, Laredo recorded about 4.4 million noncommercial vehicle crossings and 3.1 million pedestrian crossings. Those figures fell to 3.4 million and 2 million crossings, respectively, according to city statistics. City officials in El Paso projected a $60 million loss in annual revenue earlier this year when it announced pay cuts and furloughs for about 400 employees.