The Port of Entry in Columbus, New Mexico | Wikimedia
The Port of Entry in Columbus, New Mexico | Wikimedia
The Village of Columbus received an unwelcome increase in population given the current threats and dangers associated with the coronavirus pandemic.
A total of 10 trailers were placed in the middle of the village to house workers from SLS Company, the Las Cruces Sun News reported. SLS was awarded a $963 million contract to put up a wall along a 72-mile stretch of the border with Mexico.
Although the state is under a stay-at-home executive order with gatherings limited to five people or less, the work on the wall is listed as essential. The wall, one of President Donald Trump’s core projects, is being built to head off illegal immigration and curtail drug trafficking.
The town’s leadership was able to successfully negotiate a compromise that will allow for the removal of the trailers from the town
Because of questions regarding zoning and the natural concerns with COVID-19, Mayor Esequiel Salas told the Sun News the placement of the camp would be put off.
A total of 12 trailers were placed in the town before efforts began to remove them. The Sun-News gained access to an email from Salas to village trustees, county officials and Lt. Gov. Howie Morales, who praised Salas for his efforts for working with all parties.
“There was concern from community members…about individuals from other parts of the country and increasing the likelihood of the virus being spread,” Morales told the Sun-News. “As of today, the border community is safer as we continue to try to protect all parts of New Mexico, especially the rural areas that could be threatened like that.”
SLS is a company based out of Galveston, Texas owned by Todd, Billy and Johnny Sullivan. It has an emphasis on general contracting, program and construction management.
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