Customs and Border Protection Seeks Major Expansion of South Border Patrol Checkpoint in Eagle Pass
By Jose G. Landa, Copyright 2026 Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has contacted the City of Eagle Pass regarding a proposed major renovation and expansion of the South Border Patrol Checkpoint along U.S. Highway 57.
According to information released by the City, the preliminary proposal could require approximately 14 additional acres surrounding the existing checkpoint.
The expanded property would allow CBP to modernize the facility, accommodate increasing traffic, improve highway safety and strengthen border security operations.
The City of Eagle Pass has been invited to provide input during the federal planning process. City officials welcomed the opportunity to work with CBP and other federal partners as the agency evaluates the future of the facility.
The proposal remains in its early planning stages. CBP has not publicly announced the estimated cost, construction schedule, final design or the specific improvements that would be included. It also remains unclear whether the federal government has secured funding for the project or when property acquisition could begin.
The proposed expansion follows previous calls for the modernization of Border Patrol checkpoints throughout the region.
In May 2025, former U.S. House of Representative Tony Gonzales, whose congressional district included Eagle Pass, publicly described the local checkpoint as “woefully outdated” and called for the construction of a modern facility capable of addressing the region’s growing transportation and security demands.
Gonzales raised the issue as federal officials considered improvements to aging Border Patrol infrastructure across South and West Texas.
The Highway 57 checkpoint serves as an important enforcement location for vehicles traveling away from the international border.
Border Patrol agents use interior checkpoints to conduct immigration inspections and identify possible human smuggling, narcotics trafficking and other criminal activity.
The project could also become increasingly important as traffic grows along the U.S. 57 corridor. The highway connects Eagle Pass with La Pryor and provides the community with a major route toward San Antonio and Interstate 35.
City officials said the proposed improvements would help the checkpoint handle increasing traffic while creating safer conditions for motorists and Border Patrol personnel.
The City emphasized that the expansion is only a proposal and that additional planning, environmental reviews, property negotiations and federal approvals could be required before construction begins.
More information is expected to be released as CBP develops the project and continues discussions with City officials and other affected agencies.
