Texas Border Business
Laredo, Texas – This week, Mayor Pete Saenz and City Manager Robert A. Eads met with the United States Ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar, along with other community leaders to discuss topics concerning the U.S.-Mexican border. In an effort to continue providing firsthand information to federal representatives on the issues the border faces, Mayor Saenz and Eads presented these to Ambassador Salazar during a roundtable meeting on Wednesday, October 27th. Issues discussed included lack of federal funds for border security, the implementation of a virtual wall as proposed by the Biden administration, and the dangers migrants face when fleeing their countries of origin. Other discussions included the reopening of the border for non-essential activities and vaccination efforts for Mexican travelers.
“I am honored to have met Ambassador Ken Salazar and describe to him who we are as a city and the value we provide as an international port to our country and the world,” shares Mayor Saenz. “I commend the Ambassador’s willingness to visit both sides of the border, as it is crucial for him to get a firsthand perspective of the regional and national issues impacting our communities. In light of the thousands of migrants that have arrived and those predicted to arrive in the U. S. – Mexican border, I continue to advocate for the swift implementation of a virtual wall and prove its effectiveness. Border trade and security continue to be our utmost priorities. I will continue to develop relationships and communicate all issues at hand with local, state, and national representatives.”
Other community leaders that were present at the meeting included officials from Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Office of Congressman Henry Cuellar, International Bank of Commerce, U.S. Consul in Nuevo Laredo, Deanna Kim, Mexico Consul in Laredo, Juan Carlos Mendoza, and more. The City of Laredo welcomed Ambassador Salazar and looks forward to continuing conversations that will benefit the overall community.
