Mexican president ponders ‘Dos Laredos’ intertwined past.

Thaddeus Tran August 1, 2023 History and Heritage

History of the Two Laredos: A Shifting Border

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) – During this morning’s press conference, the Mexican president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, delved into the complex history of the two Laredos. The topic at hand was immigration, national sovereignty, and Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s recent efforts to deter migrant crossings. President Obrador seized the opportunity to bring up the Guadalupe Hidalgo Treaty which marked the end of the Mexican-American war and had significant implications for the two neighboring cities.

The Guadalupe Hidalgo Treaty

The Guadalupe Hidalgo Treaty, which officially put an end to the Mexican-American war, was a turning point for the two Laredos. As per the treaty, the Rio Grande became the boundary between Mexico and the United States, which consequently forced Laredo to become part of the American side. However, this new arrangement didn’t sit well with some of the residents who found themselves on the wrong side of the border.

A Tale of Resistance and Relocation

President Obrador recounted how the citizens of Laredo rebelled against the forced change. The majority of people voiced their desire to continue being Mexican in Laredo, leading to demands for a conference with officials. However, these requests were disregarded by American officials, resulting in Laredo remaining on the U.S. side. In response, some families made the audacious decision to cross the river and establish a new settlement, Nuevo Laredo, where they could maintain their Mexican identity. Remarkably, they even brought the remains of their deceased loved ones with them. This act of determination exemplified the deep-rooted bond between the two Laredos.

A Call for Compassion

The Mexican president emphasized the importance of a more compassionate approach when addressing immigration and condemned Governor Greg Abbott’s actions. President Obrador’s remarks highlight the need for empathy and understanding in dealing with the complex issue of migration.

A Symbolic Recognition

Mayor Carmen Canturosas of Nuevo Laredo took to social media to express her gratitude to President Obrador for acknowledging the enduring connection between the two Laredos. She posted a clip of his remarks, which further solidified the recognition of their shared history and identity.

Further Information

To watch the full press conference, follow this link. For a precise segment mentioning the two Laredos, click here. Visit our website for more headlines here.

Conclusion

The history of the two Laredos is a tale of resilience, resistance, and relocation. The Guadalupe Hidalgo Treaty reshaped the border, leaving some residents unsatisfied with their new placement. Nevertheless, the citizens of Laredo bravely asserted their Mexican identity, carving out a new life in what is now Nuevo Laredo. President Obrador’s call for compassion and recognition of their shared bond further emphasizes the need for understanding in the immigration debate.