Ted Hesson

(Reuters) – Texas has agreed to suspend enhanced inspections for trucks coming from Mexico. This is in response to the agreement reached with four Mexican neighboring states. The move was expected reduce costly and long backlogs that occurred over the week.

The agreement requires the Mexican state Tamaulipas, which is located at the eastmost border of Texas and Mexico, to intensify security measures against illegal immigration and drug smuggling. This was announced by Abbott and Tamaulipas Governor Francisco Garcia Cabeza de Vaca during a press conference held in Weslaco (Texas), near the U.S.–Mexico border.

Abbott, a Republican who is running to reelect himself in November, directed state officials to perform “enhanced security inspections” on vehicles crossing from Mexico to Texas last week in an effort to find smuggling and contraband.

Abbott claimed that the increased inspections were required because President Joe Biden failed to secure border security. They clogged truck traffic and caused protests by Mexican truckers.

These traffic jams led to millions of dollars of loss and increased pressure on business groups like the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas. This alliance includes more than 100 companies that are involved in the American import and distribution of Mexican products.

Sid Miller (Texas Agriculture Commissioner) pleaded with Abbott Tuesday for an end to the truck inspections. He said they could “quickly lead [to $2.00 lemons], $5.00 avocados, and worse”

The White House condemned Wednesday’s inspections. They were deemed unnecessary, disrupted automobile and food supply chains and drove up prices. Biden is a Democrat and has already been struggling with rising inflation, as well the challenges facing the movement goods caused by the COVID-19 epidemic.

According to news reports and the governor’s office, Abbott also chartered buses for migrants to be transported from Texas to Washington. The third bus arrived on Friday.

Beto O’Rourke (a Democrat who challenged Abbott in Nov. 8 elections) and a former U.S. Congressman attacked Abbott during the week in videos and tweets, calling Abbott’s actions a “political stunt that sowed havoc at the border.”

Texas authorities refuse to confirm whether any of the enhanced inspections found evidence of smuggling. The state Department of Public Safety said that more than 1400 vehicles had been taken out of service by the department for safety violations, including defective tires, brakes and lighting.

Recent deals that Abbott made with governors from the other three Mexican states bordering Texas, Nuevo Leon and Chihuahua — were similar to those struck with Coahuila. This was despite pressure from business organizations.