The atmosphere around the border crossings in Matamoros was full of chaotic activity, long lines formed and traffic became a mess, with no space to park on the nearby streets. Local merchants took advantage to cash in before the Christmas season.
The international bridges near downtown Matamoros and Brownsville showed the greatest influx in their surroundings. The Ignacio Zaragoza bridge —popularly known as “los Tomates”— had waits of up to three hours, as did other crossings. Although there were not many street vendors at this location.
border crossings in Matamoros
Those who crossed the bridges mentioned that, at least in the morning, there were more than two U.S. immigration checkpoints. This undoubtedly facilitated the flow to Brownsville. Most of the vehicles waiting to go to the South Texas Valley had Mexican license plates; local residents were shopping or visiting relatives. Lines in the pedestrian lanes also extend even before the Capufe toll booths.
It is estimated that a portion of those who tried to cross the border in Matamoros today are travelers looking to visit relatives in the South Texas Valley and other nearby cities.
Source: voxpopulinoticias
