Temporary suspension of commercial vehicles could significantly impact El Paso’s economy

EL PASO, Texas -- Following the temporary suspension of commercial vehicles at the Bridge of the Americas International Bridge, experts predict this could impact the economy substantially.

The suspension comes as CBP personnel at the Bridge of the Americas will be assisting with the influx of migrants that continue to enter the region.

According to U.S. Border Patrol agents, on average roughly 1,200 migrants are entering the El Paso Sector.

Agents told ABC-7 that migrants to continue to come to the United States following repeated rumors they would be allowed into the country.

Jon Barela the CEO of the Borderplex Alliance said this temporary suspension will have a dramatic impact on the local and national economy.

"There will be millions of dollars lost because of the activities in the shutdown temporarily, albeit, but there will be millions of dollars loss to the national economy. And I'm sure that local businesspeople will be losing a sizable amount of money as well," Barela said.

He also said local El Paso businesses will be hit hard.

"The impact of this will be felt immediately and commercial traffic adds to jobs. It adds to the tax base, not to mention that the idling and the delays of crossing also have an environmental impact on our region does not help," he said.

Barela said these migration problems need to be addressed immediately to avoid these types of shutdowns.