Villalobos: Drop in bridge crossings is going to hurt the City of McAllen’s budget

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The City of McAllen’s budget is going to be negatively impacted by a drop in bridge crossings, as fewer Mexican tourists are shopping in stores, eating in restaurants or staying in hotels.

This is the view of McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos. He spoke about the issue when appearing as a panelist at the 2025 South Texas Summit hosted by the South Texas Business Partnership.

“We have two international bridges, Hidalgo International Bridge and Anzalduas International Bridge. We see the reduction in numbers,” Villalobos said, during the panel discussion.

“For the past three years, we have had record-breaking sales tax revenue. I don’t think this is going to happen this year.”

Villalobos said the conventional wisdom at city hall is that Mexican visitors do not play that big of a role in the local economy. “But they do,” Villalobos insisted.

“When you see the numbers of passengers or cars coming in dwindle month after month, we are going start having issues. We’re starting to do our budget, probably in a month or two, and we’re going to have to account for that. It’s concerning.”

A month back, McAllen Chamber of Commerce leader Elizabeth Suarez told the Rio Grande Guardian that bridge crossings in April were 28 percent down, as compared to the same month last year. The Guardian called McAllen’s Superintendent of Bridges, Juan Olaguibel, for the May numbers but he did not return a call at press time.

In a brief interview with the Guardian at the South Texas Summit, Villalobos said he did not have the percentage drop in Mexican tourists to hand. But he did say he knows what is causing the drop. 

“We know it is due to the inspections on the south side (of the bridges). I know it’s going to start affecting our sales taxes. It’s going to start affecting a lot of things, so we’re hoping it changes pretty quickly.”

It was pointed out to Villalobos that the inspection of vehicles on the south side of land ports of entry were requested by President Trump and agreed to by President Sheinbaum. It was thought that having Mexican soldiers inspect the vehicles would reduce the amount of fentanyl being brought into the United States.

“That is correct. That’s exactly what’s going on,” Villalobos said. “I don’t know how long it (the inspections) is going to be, but it takes people trying to cross sometimes up to three hours, and every now and then even longer,” Villalobos said. “So, people are being dissuaded from coming. In reality, that is what is going on.”

Asked if anti-Mexico and anti-immigrant rhetoric from the Trump administration is having an impact, with Mexican nationals feeling they are not wanted in the United States, Villalobos said no.

“Is it just because of the long wait times. People that come across the bridge come here legally. I don’t think there’s any other issue other than the time that is affecting them. That is what is going on.”

Norma Seplveda, the mayor Harlingen, and Ron Nirenberg, the outgoing mayor of San Antonio, are pictured at the 2025 South Texas Summit. (Photo: RGG/Steve Taylor)

Another panelist at the South Texas Summit was Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda. She said she agreed with Villalobos’ analysis.

“I think that the border communities are really being impacted. I know that travel tourism is down about 12 percent or so. I know that our airport numbers are down, and I’m sure (that the) McAllen and Brownsville (airports) are also seeing those challenges,” Sepulveda said.

Sepulveda hinted that the drop in passengers utilizing Harlingen’s Valley International Airport could mean the city revisits its policy or not providing tax dollars to VIA.

“We had record enplanements, just super successful. I think all three airports were doing fantastic. Now, looking at the numbers and seeing that… our airport, at least, Valley International Airport, is not subsidized by the city. So, no tax dollars go to our airport. But we’re really having those conversations now to see… are we going to be able to continue this, given the fact that people are now concerned and pausing on travel, pausing on investment.”

Editor’s Note: The other two mayors on the panel were Brownsville’s John Cowen, Jr., and San Antonio’s Ron Nirenberg.

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