"Record-Breaking Migrant Battle Halts Half-Billion Dollar Railroad Freight at Texas Border Crossings"
Major railroads Union-Pacific and BNSF are calling for the reopening of key Texas border crossings in El Paso and Eagle Pass, as the closure due to the surge of migrants has halted almost half a billion dollars in trade. Union Pacific estimates that $200 million worth of trade moves in and out of these crossings daily, and the closures have affected 45% of their cross-border business. The closures have sparked concerns from industries such as grain and chemicals, as well as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, who argue that halting legal commerce will not secure the border. Both railroads refute claims that migrants are crossing into the U.S. on trains, stating that they have security measures in place. The closure of these crossings has caused significant economic harm and delays in operations on both sides of the border.