Border Security Tightens Before Francis's Visit To Mexico
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EL PASO (CBSDFW.COM) – The task to keep the border in El Paso with Ciudad Juarez safe during Pope Francis's visit is a massive undertaking described by law enforcement along the border as "unprecedented."
CBS 11 News was given an exclusive border tour with the Customs and Border Protection's Air and Marine Unit aboard on of their helicopters.
CBP Director of El Paso air operations Rudy Maldonado said, "We're going to be watching. It's a matter of us watching things that people don't even think of."
Authorities will shut down a seven-mile stretch of border near the Pope's mass location. They estimate upwards of 1 million people will gather on both sides to try and enjoy a glimpse of the pontiff.
Another 60,000 people will gather in his honor at the Sun Bowl at the University of Texas at El Paso.
Maldonado added, "It's the movement of the people that's going to create gridlock and public safety issues."
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