Laredo Officials Coordinate Response to Advancing Federal Border Project

City leaders approve measures to strengthen regional collaboration and clarify local position as federal timeline accelerates.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 4:51pm

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A serene, photorealistic painting of a lone border fence post or surveillance tower standing in a desolate landscape, with warm sunlight casting deep shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation about the political tensions surrounding border security.As federal officials accelerate plans for a new border security project, Laredo leaders work to ensure local concerns and infrastructure are prioritized.Laredo Today

Laredo officials are working to formalize their approach to a proposed federal border security project along the Rio Grande, approving measures aimed at strengthening regional coordination, clarifying the city's position, and navigating a fast-moving federal timeline that targets completion by 2028.

Why it matters

The border project, which could include a wall and buoy system, has raised concerns about potential impacts on local infrastructure and the environment. Laredo leaders are seeking to ensure the city's interests and community sentiment are represented in the negotiation process with federal authorities.

The details

City officials outlined ongoing conversations with U.S. Customs and Border Protection regarding the project, noting federal officials are working toward a 2028 completion date. In response, the city approved an interlocal agreement with Webb County and Laredo College to bring multiple entities into a coordinated effort, and drafted a formal resolution outlining the city's position. Discussions also included whether to grant federal authorities right-of-entry access to certain parcels along the river, which would allow data collection but not project approval. City leaders have also presented alternatives to the standard border infrastructure design, such as berm-style barriers and less-intrusive fencing.

  • Federal officials are working toward a target completion date of 2028 for the border project.
  • The planned expansion of the World Trade Bridge in Laredo is another major project that intersects with the federal border plan.

The players

Joe Neeb

Laredo City Manager who said federal officials are working quickly and the city has a limited window to influence decisions related to the border project design, placement, and potential impacts.

Webb County

A local entity that Laredo is pursuing an interlocal agreement with to coordinate efforts on the border project.

Laredo College

A local entity that Laredo is pursuing an interlocal agreement with to coordinate efforts on the border project.

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What they’re saying

“'They are going to move fairly quickly,' Neeb said, noting the city has a limited window to influence decisions related to design, placement and potential impacts.”

— Joe Neeb, Laredo City Manager

“'Right of entry is not project approval,' he said, explaining that such access would allow surveying, geotechnical borings and data collection necessary to produce engineering designs and analyses.”

— Joe Neeb, Laredo City Manager

“'They want to secure the border,' he said. 'What we're asking them to do is consider all these different options as to how to do that.'”

— Joe Neeb, Laredo City Manager

What’s next

The city is still awaiting updated maps and more detailed project information, including final alignments and design specifications, before making broader recommendations. Negotiations with federal authorities are ongoing as Laredo seeks to balance security objectives with local concerns.

The takeaway

Laredo's coordinated efforts to engage with federal officials on the border project highlight the complex dynamics at play, as the city aims to protect local infrastructure and community interests while navigating a fast-paced federal timeline and decision-making process.