The Juárez-Lincoln International Bridge, a heavily trafficked border crossing between Laredo, Texas, and Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, will temporarily close vehicular traffic on the morning of February 21 due to the traditional International Bridge Ceremony, also known as the Ceremony of the Embrace. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency has announced that this closure will affect both northbound and southbound traffic, starting at 5:00 a.m. and lasting until approximately 9:00 a.m.

The closure will impact all types of vehicles, including personal cars and commercial buses. The closure is part of a symbolic act that underscores the cooperation and goodwill between the authorities of the United States and Mexico. During this period, preparations for the event will take place, including the setup of a stage, which will serve as the central point for the ceremonial activities that promote fostering bilateral relationships.

Local stakeholders, including Alberto Flores, the director of the Laredo Port of Entry, have emphasized the importance of this ceremony not just for the border community but also as a representation of the ongoing collaboration between the two nations. Despite the inconvenience of the temporary closure, the ceremony reflects efforts to strengthen ties and facilitate cooperation amid complex border dynamics, particularly in light of the ongoing discussions surrounding immigration and trade policies.