Laredo officials weigh options as federal border plan advances

Laredo leaders moved this week to formalize its approach to a proposed federal border security project along the Rio Grande, approving measures aimed at strengthening regional coordination, clarifying the city's position and navigating a fast-moving federal timeline.

City officials outlined ongoing conversations with U.S. Customs and Border Protection regarding a project that could include a border wall and buoy system along portions of the river.

City Manager Joe Neeb said federal officials are working toward a target completion date of 2028 - a timeline that has added urgency to local discussions.

"They are going to move fairly quickly," Neeb said, noting the city has a limited window to influence decisions related to design, placement and potential impacts.

In response, city leaders approved two key actions: pursuing an interlocal agreement with Webb County and Laredo College, and drafting a formal resolution that outlines the city's position as negotiations with federal officials continue.

The interlocal agreement is intended to bring multiple entities into a coordinated effort, particularly as concerns extend beyond city limits and could affect regional infrastructure.

Councilmembers pointed to facilities such as water treatment plants along the river, including those in Rio Bravo, as examples of assets that could be affected by changes to the river's flow or surrounding infrastructure.

Officials said working collaboratively would help avoid fragmented responses and ensure local agencies are aligned when engaging with federal authorities.

Alongside that effort, the resolution is expected to serve as a formal statement of the city's stance, strengthening its position in ongoing discussions and signaling that local concerns, including community sentiment, are part of the negotiation process.

City officials also spent considerable time discussing whether to grant federal authorities right-of-entry access to certain parcels along the river, a request that would allow survey crews and engineers to begin collecting data.

Neeb emphasized that granting access would not mean the city is approving the project itself.

"Right of entry is not project approval," he said, explaining that such access would allow surveying, geotechnical borings and data collection necessary to produce engineering designs and analyses.

Without that information, Neeb said, both the city and federal agencies are limited in their ability to determine how proposed infrastructure could affect the river, including potential flooding.

He noted the city is still awaiting updated maps and more detailed project information, including final alignments and design specifications, before making broader recommendations.

The discussion also included the possibility of granting limited or phased access, allowing work to proceed in less sensitive areas while maintaining closer scrutiny over others.

Neeb said the approach is aimed at balancing the need for data with the city's responsibility to protect local interests.

At the same time, city officials said they have presented alternatives to the standard border infrastructure design, which has been described as a 28- to 30-foot wall combined with a buoy system.

Those alternatives include berm-style barriers, less-intrusive fencing and other configurations intended to meet federal security objectives while minimizing visual and environmental impact.

Neeb said federal officials have not rejected those proposals outright.

"I did not get a no," he said. "They said, let us consider that."

Still, officials cautioned that no final decisions have been made and that negotiations remain ongoing.

Neeb said the federal government's priority is securing the border, while the city is focused on ensuring any project considers local conditions and infrastructure.

"They want to secure the border," he said. "What we're asking them to do is consider all these different options as to how to do that."

The 2028 timeline also intersects with other major projects in Laredo, including the planned expansion of the World Trade Bridge, adding another layer of coordination among local, state and federal efforts.

Neeb said federal officials have indicated they do not want to interfere with that expansion, though those discussions are still preliminary.

For now, city leaders said their focus will remain on gathering information, maintaining communication with federal agencies and positioning the city to respond effectively as plans develop.

"It's very important for us to stay focused on the things that we believe we can actually change," Neeb said.

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