Laredo, TX — As the Rio Grande continues to face increasing pressure from climate change, border wall construction, and pollution, the Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC), in partnership with several community coalitions, has launched a three-month campaign with 13 billboards across the city to bring attention to protecting this critical resource.
“The Rio Grande is more than just a river; it is the lifeblood of our communities, providing water for drinking, agriculture, and industry,” said Maxine Rebeles, middle school teacher, Navy veteran, and member of El Rio es Vida, and No Border Wall coalitions. “We must prioritize the protection and sustainable management of this crucial resource.”
Messages on the billboards read: “No Border Wall; El Rio Es Vida; The Border is Beautiful; and Laredo is the 7th Safest City,” among others. Concerned citizens can get involved with local efforts by texting “Water” to (202) 858-0303.
Keila Sanchez, a veteran and community activist, “El agua es vida, con ella todo, sin ella nada.”
Given the shared nature of the Rio Grande, RGISC and the Coalitions seek to bolster a river-centric approach to Laredo’s water challenges. Members also want to strengthen the partnership with Nuevo Laredo, as a showcase of unity to protect our primary water source and transform shared lands into a culturally rich and nature-filled haven.
“By focusing on land conservation and community celebration, we can create a healthier, more vibrant home for our children and their children,” said Edgar Villasenor, RGISC Advocacy Campaign Manager.
Some officials seek to prioritize costly drinking water alternatives in places far away from the river, but locals fear the loss of Laredo’s control over its water supply and future water rates.
“The river is the solution,” said Mariana Salinas, Barrio Azteca resident and Zacate Creek Green District Coalition president. “We want the City to invest in what we already have.”
Oscar A. Lopez III, co-founder of El Rio Es Vida Coalition, added: “Challenges like climate change, water accessibility, and pollution are ones without borders. The consequences we face from inaction and mismanagement are experienced by both sides of the river. Our communities are at their strongest when we choose to work together.”
Meanwhile, border wall construction continues to loom as a threat for South Texas. The No Border Wall Coalition defeated federal plans to confiscate and destroy 71 river miles in Webb and Zapata, but the Texas governor is trying to buy up riverfront easements to build a wall at an astronomical cost of nearly $30 million per mile.
By comparison, construction costs for 1 mile could fund the creation and operations of a fully-staffed police department for Rio Bravo and El Cenizo for decades; a critically needed Level II major trauma center at a Laredo hospital for several years; or the construction of an 80-100 acre regional park with trails and natural amenities, among many other examples.
"As someone who was born in Laredo and has lived here most of my life, my hometown can use these border wall funds to better serve our community's health care, education, and climate concerns,” said Juan Livas, RGISC Board President. “We should be the ones to decide what are the urgent pressing issues. A border wall is not at the top of that list.”
“The proposed border wall poses a severe threat to the delicate ecosystems along the Rio Grande, endangering local wildlife, disrupting natural habitats, and cutting off access to this vital resource for both sides of the border,” said Cecy Jimenez, co-founder of Rio Es Vida Coalition.
Tricia Cortez, RGISC executive director agreed: “Building a wall in Laredo is destructive, expensive and pointless; Laredo is already one of the safest cities in the nation – without a border wall. We want smart security measures that do not compromise our wildlife, our culture, and our historic relationship to a life-giving river.”
The Rio Grande transcends borders, cultures, and communities. Protecting it requires a unified effort that respects the environment, celebrates local communities, and embraces binational collaboration. Together, we can ensure that this river continues to nourish and sustain life for generations to come.
MEDIA CONTACT: Edgar Villasenor | 956-757-3428 | edgar@rgisc.org, OscarA. Lopez III | 956-334-0202 | oscarlopeziii18@gmail.com
RGISC:www.rgisc.org; https://www.facebook.com/RGISCLaredo/; Insta: rgisclaredo
No Border Wall Coalition: facebook.com/NoBorderWallCoalition | Insta: @noborderwall_ltx
El Rio Es Vida Coalition: Insta: elrioesvidacoalition/
