local
Drifting anti-immigrant buoys in Rio Grande temporarily close two bridges with Mexico
By Texas Tribune, Carlos Nogueras Ramos at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 17, 2026
· 2 min read
About 100 buoys that the federal government planned to install as anti-immigration deterrents near Eagle Pass drifted into the Rio Grande, prompting officials to close two key bridges along the U.S.-Mexico border for about three hours, reopening them just after midnight Friday.Eagle Pass shut dow...
Key takeaway About 9,000 vehicles cross both bridges daily, transiting between Eagle Pass and Las Piedras.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The temporary closure of two key bridges along the U.S.-Mexico border due to drifting anti-immigrant buoys has significant implications for the local economy in Eagle Pass. With about 9,000 vehicles crossing these bridges daily, the shutdown, even if brief, can have a ripple effect on trade and commerce between Eagle Pass and Las Piedras. City Manager Homero Balderas' concern about the bridges being the primary funding source for the city underscores the potential financial impact of such disruptions. The incident also raises questions about the effectiveness and safety of these waterborne barriers, as State Rep. Eddie Morales Jr. pointed out, and the potential consequences of other border security measures, such as razor wire, being dislodged and causing harm. As the city moves forward, it will be crucial to monitor the retrieval of the buoys and assess the overall impact on the community and its economy.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? About 100 buoys that the federal government planned to install as anti-immigration deterrents near Eagle Pass drifted into the Rio Grande, prompting officials to close two key bridges along the U.S.-Mexico border for about three hours, reopening them just after midnight Friday.Eagle Pass shut dow...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Texas Tribune, Carlos Nogueras Ramos at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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