The Importance Of Border Relations: Juarez-El Paso

1489 Words6 Pages
Sarah Beth Powers Sean McCarthy- RHE 309K Border Relations- Juarez/El Paso, TX The issues important to the Juarez-El Paso border are in many respects representative of those central to any border environment. Principal among those issues are the shared economy and national security. However, the growing chaos in Mexico and, in particular, the ascendancy of the drug cartels in Ciudad Juarez, have catapaulted the security issue to the forefront in a way perhaps unique in the history of U.S. border relations. The cities of Cuidad Juarez and El Paso are connected by four bridges and these bridges have quickly become some of the busiest crossings in the world. The Juarez consulate dates back to the 1800s where a staff of four provided…show more content…
O’Rourke explains that due to the uselessness of the Rio Grande River or lack thereof, the violence across the border in Juarez has really affected quite frankly, traumatized El Paso. When asked how El Paso is actually suffering while the obvious suffering is clearly on the Juarez side, O’Rourke responds by saying that “we are one community, so what happens to Juarez hurts El Paso….the most significant cost is in human lives. Sixteen hundred killed in Cuidad Juarez in 2008 related to this drug violence. Certainly, drug operatives are in that number but many innocent victims, including children, are in that number. It's been reported that there have been at least six kidnappings here in El Paso, Texas, people abducted and taken back over the border.” It becomes evident that there is a constant high level of anxiety and worry in the air, perhaps, even, a feeling of loss of control. Because of El Paso’s close correspondence with Juarez, even in times like these, El Paso city officials still find reason to stay connected to the Mexican city. O’Rourke goes on to say, “the immigration problems that we have today and the nature of our relationship with Mexico that we have today is going to change significantly, and it will be for the worse. And so it really is a national security issue…” Dozens of Juarez shooting victims have been treated at Thomas General Hospital in El Paso at a cost to local taxpayers of more than $1 million. The hospital experienced several lockdowns because of fears that hit men would realize a victim was still alive, cross the border, and try and “finish the

More about The Importance Of Border Relations: Juarez-El Paso

Open Document