Border coalition opposes border fence

Updated: Aug 1, 2008 04:06 PM CDT

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by Angela Kocherga

EL PASO -- Many Texas communities along the Rio Grande are banding together to oppose the building of the fence on the U.S.-Mexico border.

The Mayor of Eagle Pass, Chad Foster, is leading the battle for local governments fighting the fence construction.

Border communities such as Piedras Negras and Eagle Pass are two cities that have acted as one for many years, although they represent two countries. The sister cities have shared an economy supported by a common border culture.

Locals of this border community cross back and forth daily. "I came to dinner last evening. I have a doctor's appointment in Piedras this afternoon," said Foster.

The Texas Border Coalition favors other security measures such as border patrol agents and technology. Instead, the fence will serve as a barrier between the border communities, according to the coalition.

Texans who do not want to be fenced in vow they will not back down.