El Paso Police answer questions about the Pope’s visit at last Segundo Barrio meeting

Pope Francis’ historic visit to Juarez is just 16 days away. Some residents plan on leaving a day early to attend the mass in Juarez, others plan on attending the Sun Bowl’s “Two Nations-One Faith” event here in El Paso. Although police are planning for large crowds to fill the Segundo Barrio, they aren’t allowing anyone on the Border Highway to try to catch a glimpse of the pope.

“Border Highway is also going to be used as a route for first responders,” said EPPD spokesperson Sgt. Robert Gomez. “We don’t anticipate any problems, but if there was a large scale problem, we have to keep routes open for emergency vehicles to travel through.”

Police said the highway isn’t meant for large crowds. They said an emotional response will lead the crowd forward in an attempt for a closer view, leading to the possibility of viewers being trampled and seriously injured.

That question was just one of many at the last community meeting for residents in the Segundo Barrio.

“I’m actually making the trip to Juarez,” said resident Andy Andujo, “so I want to know what the recommendations would be. But according to police, I’m supposed to leave three days before.”

Jaime Mata, owner of Mata’s Fruit Store, was concerned about his business.

“Initially we were planning on closing the store for that day because of the congestion,” Mata said.

Mata is also concerned about the closures. Segundo Barrio will be shut down from Loop 375 to the south, Campbell to the west, Paisano to the North, and Coles-First streets to the East, there will be limited traffic from 3 a.m until after the mass. That means no deliveries for Mata’s Fruit Store, or non-residential customers.

“If enough people are willing to show up to work, we’ll probably be open,” Mata said. “If we can’t get anyone to come in, I guess I’ll be doing most of the work myself.”

Residents are also concerned with such a large police presence in the area, expired plates or registration stickers on cars may get them in trouble. Police answered that question, saying they will not be ticketing people for offenses unrelated to the pope’s visit.