Jose Luis Gonzalez and Lizbeth Gonzalez

CIUDAD JUAREZ (Reuters) – Mexican truckers blocked two bridges crossing the Mexican border to United States Monday. This was in response to rising tensions over an order from Texas Governor Greg Abbott which has slowed traffic between Texas and Mexico.

Pedro Gonzalez, a truck driver from Ciudad Juarez and El Paso said that they were desperate as they have to wait for up to fifteen hours before crossing into the United States.

Abbott last week ordered that the Department of Public Safety of Texas conduct enhanced safety inspections of all vehicles crossing Mexico to Texas. This was to identify smuggling of contraband and people.

Abbott stated that the inspections are part of an overall effort to discourage illegal immigration.

The industry has been furious at the decision and threatens to exile some of Abbott’s support.

Ernesto Gaytan chairman, Texas Trucking Association said, “We support Governor Abbott but unfortunately we weren’t considered.” He also said that frustrated drivers had called him since the order went into effect.

Gaytan stated that migrants are rarely seen crossing the border illegally using commercial trucks from legal entry points.

“Slowing down trade doesn’t work.”

According to a spokesperson for Texas DPS, nearly 2400 commercial vehicles had been inspected since Abbott’s orders were issued. 552 of these vehicles have been taken out-of-service due to “serious safety issues” like defective tires or brakes.

However, the spokesperson did not say whether there had been any successful smuggling efforts.

Truck drivers also blocked a second bridge connecting Reynosa, Mexico, to Pharr in Texas.

Dante Galeazzi is the president of Texas International Produce Association. He stated that delays at Pharr Bridge had prevented approximately $30 million worth of fresh produce, including some from the U.S., from arriving since Friday.

He stated that “there are likely to be no fresh produce on store shelves this Easter weekend.” However, he warned consumers that prices could rise if delays continue.