U.S. Law Enforcement Prepping for Papal Visit

United States Marshal Robert R. Almonte said law enforcement agencies in El Paso have been meeting to coordinate logistics and security ahead of Pope Francis’ visit to Juarez February 17th.

“I just want to assure everyone it’s going to be a safe event and all the people coming to El Paso from around the country, from around the world – this is going to be a safe place,” said Almonte, the U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Texas.

The pope is not scheduled to visit any U.S. border cities but Mexican officials have confirmed he may walk along the border fence with El Paso. The Pontiff will also have a mass at a Juarez fairground close to the border.

Organizers are expecting people on the U.S. side of the border to attempt to get close to the border to catch a glimpse of the pope or try to listen to his mass.

“The law enforcement community is also coming together and we’re all working together under the leadership of El Paso Police Chief Greg Allen and we’re having constant meetings. The police department is the lead agency and Greg Allen is the leader,” said Almonte.

The U.S. Marshal said the El Paso County Sheriff;s Office , the FBI, Homeland Security, and the Texas Department of Public Safety are also participating.

“We’re all in this together,” he said.