City Vision in Focus: Understanding the River Barrier Discussion
From the City Manager’s Office | March 2026
In recent weeks, there has been significant public discussion about the proposed wall-and-buoy system along the Rio Grande. These conversations have included strong language and serious concerns about potential impacts to our river, infrastructure, and community.
As City Manager, I want to provide clarity on how the City of Laredo is approaching this issue.
Recognizing Community Concern
The concerns expressed by residents are real and understandable. When terms such as "catastrophic flooding" are used, they naturally create urgency. The safety of our residents and the protection of our infrastructure remain our top priorities.
Understanding the Current Report
The report commissioned by the Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC), which has been widely discussed, identifies potential risks associated with river infrastructure. However, it was prepared without access to engineering design specifications, hydraulic modeling, or construction details associated with the proposed federal project. As the report itself notes, key elements rely on assumed dimensions and inferred risks.
This type of analysis is useful for identifying questions, but it does not provide definitive conclusions about what will occur under actual project conditions.
In engineering, there is a clear distinction between identifying a possible outcome and determining whether it is likely. Terms such as "catastrophic" describe severity—not certainty. Determining likelihood requires project-specific data, which has not yet been made available.
Understanding Laredo's Flood Risk
Flood risk along the Rio Grande is not new. The 2010 flood demonstrated how structures—including homes and semitrailers—can enter the river, creating obstructions that affect flow and debris patterns. These conditions are similar to concerns being discussed today.
At the same time, much of the available river data is dated, and conditions have changed over time. This creates uncertainty when relying solely on historical information.
Because of this, the City's responsibility extends beyond any single project. It must consider how any structure, public or private, within or near the floodway could impact water movement, debris transport, and public safety.
Approaching the Question of a Study
There have been calls for the City to immediately conduct a study. The City is not opposed to a study, but the key question is what type of study is appropriate and what it should evaluate.
Depending on the scope, a comprehensive study could represent a significant public investment. Any study must be properly defined to produce meaningful, defensible results.
Without project-specific design information, a study would rely on assumptions and may not provide actionable or supportable conclusions.
A defensible study must:
- Be based on actual design specifications
- Include hydraulic modeling
- Evaluate impacts to City infrastructure
- Involve multiple engineering disciplines
Defining the Right Study
If a study is undertaken, it should not be limited to one project. It should evaluate flood risks comprehensively across the river corridor, including impacts to:
- Bridges
- Water and wastewater facilities
- Public spaces
- Residential and private development
This broader approach ensures the City is addressing long-term flood risk—not reacting to a single issue.
What the City Has Already Done
The City has been actively engaged on this issue since November 2025, when the Mayor was first briefed. Early discussions confirmed that alternative border security approaches could be considered, particularly in areas where standard designs may not be appropriate.
The City retained Jackson Walker to support federal negotiations and has since been working with federal partners on Right-of-Entry discussions to balance project objectives with the protection of City interests.
In January 2026, the Mayor, City Manager, and City Attorney, along with Jackson Walker, met in Washington, D.C. with CBP, the State Department, and our federal delegation, including Senators Cruz and Cornyn and Congressman Cuellar. These discussions focused on protecting Laredo's infrastructure and advancing alternative solutions.
Congressman Cuellar also pursued legislative options for targeted exclusions within Laredo. While not successful at that time, additional opportunities may arise as the project evolves.
The City has also conducted community outreach through polling and surveys and has developed alternative border security concepts, including hybrid and dual-purpose solutions that address both security and flood concerns.
Community Advisory Effort
The City of Laredo, through a motion by the Mayor, established a Laredo Citizen Border Advisory Committee to bring community voices into border-related discussions.
This committee includes a diverse group of residents and stakeholders who will review information, assess potential impacts, and provide advisory input to City leadership.
This effort reflects our commitment to transparency, meaningful community engagement, and ensuring that decisions are informed by the perspectives and priorities of Laredo residents.
What the City Is Doing
The City is actively working to obtain engineering and design information from federal agencies, including CBP, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the International Boundary and Water Commission. These efforts, recommended by Jackson Walker, are necessary to ensure any evaluation is based on the actual system being proposed rather than assumptions.
A Disciplined Path Forward
The City’s approach is clear:
- Obtain engineering and design information
- Evaluate available data
- Define the appropriate scope
- Determine whether a study is warranted
Our Responsibility
Our responsibility is not only to act, but to act correctly. Any position taken by the City must be based on verifiable, project-specific information that can withstand technical and legal scrutiny.
Moving Forward Together
The City of Laredo remains committed to protecting our residents, preserving our infrastructure, and ensuring our voice is heard.
We will move forward with both urgency and discipline to ensure that the decisions we make today protect Laredo's future.
Yours in Partnership,
Joe Neeb, ICMA-CM, CEcD, CPM
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