Construction crews will soon begin work on a $62 million project to expand the Donna Port of Entry near the Mexico border.
The City of Donna executed an agreement with CBP and the General Services Administration, allowing construction teams to begin expanding the port of entry for commercial traffic, officials announced.
According to Donna Mayor David Moreno, this will bring $62 million in infrastructure improvements at the Donna International Bridge – the “largest investment of its kind in our city’s history.”
“Today marks a historic milestone for the City of Donna,” Moreno said in a press release. “This is more than just infrastructure; it’s a bold investment in our people, our progress, and Donna’s future as a key player in international trade.”
CBP, GSA, and Donna are partnering to build the model “port of the future,” according to the release. The improvements will add “nonintrusive inspection technology,” with northbound and southbound inspection facilities for commercial vehicles.
“These improvements will not only elevate border security and expand trade capacity but will also open new economic opportunities for Donna, the Rio Grande Valley, Texas, and our global partners,” Moreno said. “We are setting the stage for a prosperous future, and Donna is leading the way.”
CBP and GSA first accepted the project proposal in April 2017, according to the release. Since then, the project team has developed a “state-of-the-art” port of entry that will increase processing efficiency.
The donation acceptance agreement, announced December 8, will allow the project team to begin construction. The agreement authorizes CBP and GSA to accept real property, personal property, and “non-personal services” as donations from public and private sources.
“Accepted donations may be used for port of entry construction, alterations, operations and maintenance activities,” the release reads.
CBP Field Operations Exec. Asst. Commissioner Diana Sabatino said in the release that this agreement marks a “significant milestone,” after years of planning and coordination between CBP, Donna, and GSA.
“As we advance with the construction of the ‘port of the future,’ I am confident that our strong partnership with federal colleagues and the City of Donna will lead to its successful completion,” Sabatino said.
GSA Acting Administrator Michael Rigas said the agency is proud to partner with CBP and Donna to advance President Donald Trump’s border security goals.
“Through this innovative project, we are delivering significant savings to American taxpayers, ensuring secure infrastructure, and supporting American workers,” Rigas said.
The city, with a population of roughly 16,800, sits along the Mexican border just east of McAllen.
When CBP officers flagged a Mexican woman’s vehicle on July 22 at the Donna Port of Entry, they found almost 80 pounds – or $803,000 – worth of methamphetamine, as The Dallas Express reported. Earlier that month, Border Patrol and Hidalgo County Constables captured a wanted human smuggler and member of the violent prison gang “Paisas” in the city.
Just across the border from Donna in Mexico, surveillance footage of a cartel gunfight went viral in 2024, according to Fox News. At the time, Texas DPS Lt. Chris Olivarez identified the factions as the “scorpions” and “metros.”
Moreno thanked CBP and GSA for their help in improving the port of entry.
“The Donna International Bridge is more than a crossing; it is a global gateway and a corridor that connects communities, drives commerce, and fuels prosperity,” he said. “This project cements Donna’s role as the Heart of the Valley and elevates our region onto the world stage as a hub for international connection and cooperation.”
