The newly annexed 250-mile stretch at the border spans two counties and runs alongside cities including Brownsville and McAllen.

Several international crossing projects in three South Texas counties have been accelerated due to a special fast-track permitting process approved last year by Congress.

The new military zone is located in Cameron and Hidalgo Counties in Texas and will be transferred from land overseen by the International Boundary and Water Commission, an entity that settles treaty issues between the U.