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Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez reported that the federal government did not notify the county about the installation of military-grade razor wire in Peñitas. The wire is located at the northern border of the National Defense Area (NDA), established in June 2025.

Cortez confirmed that the county was not contacted prior to the installation or about the NDA itself. He learned of the wire from reporters and noted it sits on private railroad property. Cortez criticized the lack of local input and stated that the installation could cause concern in the community.

The military claims the NDA is meant to facilitate trespassing charges against illegal entrants. Cortez described the NDA as a burden but has not seen significant jail overcrowding as a result.