Trucks hauling goods from Mexico to the U. S. have been subjected to intensive inspection by the Texas Department of Public Safety concentrating on major border crossings including Tornillo, Ysleta and Camino Real.  Tractor trailers have been stuck at border crossings for up to 18 hours resulting in disruption and additional costs.  Hours allowing border crossings at Santa Teresa and Marcelino Serna have been extended, in some cases in operation for an eight-hour shift on Saturday.

The border situation is complicated by a large number of migrants in addition to enhanced inspections.

The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains that the inspections were introduced to stop the smuggling of drugs across the border, but this appears to be a fatuous justification and represents “Border Theatre” imposed by Gov. Abbott, given that the inspectors do not open vehicles but only check brakes and safety features of trucks.

Delays at the border are interrupting the flow of manufactured items required to sustain production in U. S. plants many operating according to just-in-time management of inventory.