(Daily Signal)—Following a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas from Sen. Ted Cruz, Customs and Border Protection announced Friday that two railroad crossings in Texas border communities are reopening after temporarily being closed to allow personnel to help process illegal aliens.
“Beginning December 22, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern, CBP’s Office of Field Operations will resume operations at the international railway crossing bridges in Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas,” CBP announced Friday.
The announcement came after Cruz sent a letter to Mayorkas on Thursday demanding answers after the federal government closed the two railroad crossings. The temporary closures were intended to free additional customs personnel to help Border Patrol agents process the thousands of illegal aliens crossing the southern border daily.
“Accordingly, by shutting down legal border crossings to accommodate the surge of illegal aliens flooding the border at Eagle Pass, you have created a national security threat of the highest degree,” Cruz, R-Texas, wrote to Mayorkas in the letter shared exclusively with The Daily Signal.
“You are also signaling to the world that the United States government—and certainly your department—will put the interests of foreign citizens over the needs of American people and businesses,” Cruz said.
Amid record-high border crossings, CBP announced Sunday that starting Monday morning, the international railway crossings in Eagle Pass and El Paso would be temporarily closed.
“CBP is continuing to surge all available resources to safely process migrants in response to increased levels of migrant encounters at the Southwest Border,” CBP said in a statement Sunday explaining the reason for the closures, adding:
After observing a recent resurgence of smuggling organizations moving migrants through Mexico via freight trains, CBP is taking additional actions to surge personnel and address this concerning development, including in partnership with Mexican authorities.
Fox News recently reported images of thousands of migrants lining railroad tracks in Piedras Negras, Mexico, hoping to jump aboard the train bound for the U.S.
Because the two railway crossing “functions as a key rail link between the U.S. and Mexico,” Cruz warned, “hundreds of thousands of tons of customer freight that cross this junction daily are now at risk of being indefinitely stalled.”
“Already, a major rail carrier has announced that it will have to embargo the movement of goods on 60 trains, or nearly 4,500 rail cars,” the Texas senator wrote.
“Each day that these ports of entries are closed has systemwide impacts on the transportation network that could last for months,” Cruz said. “For the foregoing reasons, these bridge closures result in immeasurable negative impact on domestic production and international trade, causing production shutdowns, product and food shortages for Americans, and severe economic damage to our country.”
Before CBP announced it was reopening the two crossings, Cruz demanded answers to nine questions related to the railway closings at the border, including who made the decision to close the ports, what criteria were used to determine that the two crossings needed to be closed, and why Mayorkas is “prioritizing the processing of illegal aliens over keeping our ports of entry open.”
While the two railway crossings have reopened, CBP says vehicular processing “remains suspended at Eagle Pass International Bridge 1. In San Diego, California, San Ysidro’s Pedestrian West operations remain suspended. In Lukeville, Arizona, the Lukeville Port of Entry operations remain suspended. In Nogales, Arizona, the Morely Gate border crossing operations remain suspended.”
CBP witnessed record encounter numbers of illegal immigrants along the southern border this week, with a combined nearly 27,000 on Monday and Tuesday and an additional 12,000 reported Wednesday.
Cruz had given Mayorkas until Friday to respond to his questions. According to Cruz’s office, the senator had not received a reply as of the time this report was published.
Safeguarding Your American Dream: Discover the Power of America First Healthcare
In today’s uncertain world, where skyrocketing medical costs and bureaucratic red tape threaten the very fabric of the American way of life, protecting your family’s health and financial future has never been more critical. Medical bills remain the leading cause of bankruptcy in the U.S., with millions of hardworking Americans either uninsured, underinsured, or overburdened by premiums that don’t deliver real value. But what if there was a way to secure top-tier coverage that aligns with your conservative values, saves you money, and gives you peace of mind?
Enter America First Healthcare—a private insurance agency dedicated to empowering freedom-loving patriots like you to reclaim control over your healthcare destiny.
Founded by Jordan Sarmiento, a dynamic entrepreneur and former touring musician who knows firsthand the highs and lows of navigating America’s complex insurance landscape, America First Healthcare stands as a beacon for those who believe in small government, personal responsibility, and the enduring American Dream. Jordan’s own journey underscores the company’s mission: after a harrowing six-day hospital stay that racked up a $95,000 bill, his Conservative Care Coverage through America First Healthcare reduced his out-of-pocket expenses to just $500. This isn’t just insurance—it’s a shield against the financial pitfalls that plague so many families, ensuring you’re prepared for life’s unexpected turns without sacrificing your principles.
At its core, America First Healthcare is about more than policies; it’s about shared values. In an era where “woke” policies and liberal ideologies seem to infiltrate every corner of society, this agency prioritizes serving conservatives who value freedom and self-reliance. They offer a suite of essential services designed to fortify your life, including:
- Health Insurance: Tailored plans that keep your family healthy and ready to thrive, addressing the gaps that leave 41 million Americans vulnerable to preventable chronic diseases and inadequate coverage.
- Life Insurance: Protection that secures your loved ones’ future, ensuring your legacy endures.
- Business Insurance: Safeguards for your enterprise, preserving the income that fuels your independence.
What sets America First Healthcare apart is their commitment to personalization and savings. Start with their complimentary Free Insurance Review, where experts evaluate your current policies to uncover hidden gaps, eliminate over insurance, and potentially slash your costs by up to 20%. Whether you’re among the 27 million uninsured, the 44% underinsured on marketplace plans, or the 33% feeling squeezed by high premiums, their team crafts customized solutions that deliver better coverage at rates that respect your wallet. And with ongoing support from advisors who share your worldview, you’ll never feel alone in the fight for affordable, reliable protection.
Clients rave about the difference America First makes. Families across the nation have switched to better health insurance for less, resting easy knowing they’ve partnered with a company that puts America first. As one satisfied customer might say, it’s not just about policies—it’s about preserving the freedoms that make this country great.
Don’t let liberal overreach or financial uncertainty derail your dreams. Take the first step toward unbreakable security today by visiting for your Free Insurance Review. With America First Healthcare, you’re not just insured—you’re empowered to live the life you deserve. Act now, because your American Dream is worth protecting.
Mayorkas should have been fired and locked up within months of his hiring. And for the record NSA, FBI and DoJ, I agree with John Schnieder that FJB should have been convicted of treason and hanged from the highest tree around.
Ted Cruz is worthless, never there when you need him, now he squawks on account of re-election bid. I say let this worthless and useless turd die on the vine. Let him reap what he sowed, which is NOTHING.