Tractors and trucks blocked access to the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge on Wednesday as hundreds of Mexican farmers vented their frustration over government cuts in subsidy prices of sorghum.
The protest started around noon as rural farmers from the Mexican state of Tamaulipas blocked access to the customs station on the Mexican side of the bridge.
“Commercial traffic has been blocked at the Pharr Commercial Crossing (Port of Hidalgo) since early this afternoon by protesting agriculture groups on the Mexico side,” said Armando Taboada, assistant director of field operations at the Laredo Field Office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in an email to customs officials and media.
Carlos Rodriguez, CBP director for the Port of Hidalgo, which includes the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge, has been in communication with Mexico’s Tax Administration Service, which handles customs and trade, Taboada said.
“In case the situation/protest continues, be prepared to implement the Business Resumption Contingency Plan by utilizing the surrounding Ports of Entry available (which are the Port of Progreso, Port of Roma, and Port of Los Indios),” Taboada said.
The blockade was still ongoing as of Wednesday night.
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