Nuevo León Strengthens Colombia–Laredo Port of Entry as a Strategic Crossing for 2026

With a strategic agenda focused on border competitiveness, Marco González, Secretary of Regional and Agricultural Development of Nuevo León, held a high-level meeting with senior leadership from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Mexico’s National Customs Agency (ANAM) at the Colombia–Laredo Port of Entry, aiming to consolidate the crossing as one of the most efficient and secure along the Mexico–U.S. border by 2026.

Representing Governor Samuel García, González met with Alberto Flores and Javier Vázquez, Director General and Director of Operations of CBP Port Laredo, as well as Lieutenant Colonel Pablo Matadamas, head of the Colombia Customs Office for ANAM. The meeting reaffirmed binational coordination as a cornerstone for sustaining growth in both commercial and tourist crossings.

Colombia–Laredo and the Challenge of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

One of the central topics was the role of the crossing during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Authorities agreed that the Colombia–Laredo Port of Entry will serve as the primary logistics connection between Monterrey, Dallas, and Houston, cities that will host more than 20 matches. As a result, a significant increase in the flow of tourists, suppliers, and specialized cargo is expected.

González emphasized that the state’s vision prioritizes operational agility, enhanced security, and logistics continuity to meet the extraordinary demand associated with the tournament. In this context, authorities agreed to maintain and optimize protocols for the transportation of goods and equipment, ensuring competitive transit times and certainty for organizers and supply chains.

Infrastructure, Security, and Growth in Cross-Border Traffic

Regarding infrastructure and security, authorities reaffirmed permanent surveillance along the La Gloria–Colombia Highway, considered the backbone of the 2026 logistics corridor, with coordinated presence from Fuerza Civil and the National Guard. This strategy supports the expansion of the International Bridge and the continuous enhancement of the port’s operational capacity.

The corridor’s momentum is already reflected in key indicators. From January to September 2025, 69,603 permits were issued for tourists and returning nationals crossing through Colombia–Laredo, representing a 121.24% increase compared to all of 2024. Cumulatively, growth has reached 265% compared to annual figures since 2020, confirming a sustained upward trend in mobility and economic activity.

This performance strengthens Nuevo León’s position as a logistics and commercial hub in northeastern Mexico, with a border crossing capable of scaling operations during peak demand and supporting increasingly integrated binational supply chains.