Crises are like magnets. They often attract each other and become powerfully worse. Such has been the case in Texas. In response to the longstanding migration crisis at the border, state troopers have started inspecting all commercial trucks inbound to the state from Mexico, under orders from Governor Greg Abbott. It’s a separate and added measure from normal customs inspections by federal agents. In Abbott’s words, the operation is meant to curb the “Biden administration’s border disaster . . . and curtail the flow of drugs, human traffickers, illegal immigrants, weapons, and other contraband into Texas.” It comes as Biden ends Title 42 expulsions, a pandemic measure that gave the U.S. greater leeway to block entry. Ending it is expected to attract a new surge of illegal migration. Abbott, admirably, wants to counteract this looming disaster.
However, the move is poised to further strain supply chains, already the source of another crisis. Since Monday, Mexican truck drivers have staged a blockade over the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge in protest against Texas’s new rules. As the largest crossing point in the Rio Grande Valley — through which most of America’s produce imports travel — backlogs there have amplified effects beyond the border. Wait times to cross now exceed three days at some locations. Now, as trucks line roads for miles, thousands of tons of goods are stuck and cannot reach their markets. The problem is serious for America’s food imports — e.g., avocados, broccoli, peppers, tomatoes — which are rotting in containers (in heat exceeding 100°F) before they get to grocery stores across the country. Businesses are telling consumers to expect shortages as early as Good Friday while workers sit idle in warehouses and stores, at the risk of being laid off.
In an election year, Abbott’s approach has divided Texas Republicans. State Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller calls it “catastrophic,” and GOP-friendly industry groups have warned that a loss of traffic for Texas — heading instead to Arizona — will hurt the state’s economy before November. “This is destroying our business and the reputation of Texas. I foresee companies making plans to move their business to New Mexico and Arizona,” said Dante Galeazzi, of the Texas International Produce Association, to the Texas Tribune. Even Democratic nominee Beto O’Rourke has the chance to use this as fodder for double-barreled attacks on Abbott on immigration policy and the economy. (One poll has the thrice-failed candidate within 2 points of Abbott, but that may prove an outlier.)
Securing the border is essential, and the Biden administration has, indeed, failed to do it. At the moment, nobody — not even Abbott — really believes that a double inspection of trucks by federal and state agents is necessary; like the Freedom Convoy along the northern border earlier this year, it’s a measure to prompt federal action. However, America’s supply chains are under much stress as it is. In trying to induce border security, this measure could be tackling one crisis by exacerbating another.