EAGLE PASS, Texas — Officials from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Union Pacific celebrated the opening of a new rail inspection building in Eagle Pass, Texas.
Union Pacific donated the $800,000 facility to CBP. The building will serve as a one-stop location for officers who process information and inspect incoming trains.
Eagle Pass Mayor Chad Foster, Maverick County Judge Jose Aranda and other guests dedicated the building, as a Union Pacific locomotive sounded its horn to officially open the new CBP rail facility.
“Union Pacific and U.S. Customs and Border Protection work closely to provide safe and secure transportation of goods traveling through the Mexican gateways,” said Union Pacific Vice President of Mexico Operations Bob Naro. “We look forward to our continued collaboration, and I’d like to welcome local CBP officers to their new home in Eagle Pass.”
Prior to the construction of the new building, officers traveled from the Eagle Pass-Piedras Negras International Bridge to a 30-foot trailer to inspect trains. The new facility is approximately 950 square feet and provides a comfortable, more secure working environment for officers protecting the Eagle Pass – Piedras Negras border crossing. Trains loaded with products such as grain, finished autos and wind turbines have made Eagle Pass one of the fastest growing Mexican gateways.
For years, Union Pacific’s special agents and K-9 teams have worked with CBP to prevent illegal drugs and unauthorized train riders from entering the United States. UP has also constructed buildings and inspection towers at several railroad border crossings for CBP’s use.
Union Pacific is the largest shipper of goods by rail across the United States and Mexico border. UP’s gateways to Mexico are located at Brownsville, Laredo, Eagle Pass, El Paso, Texas; Nogales, Ariz.; and Calexico, Calif.
