President Donald Trump is expected in Corpus Christi Tuesday, October 27, as local, state and federal law enforcement agencies coordinate security for his visit.
Crews were preparing the area near the Port of Corpus Christi on Monday, with barricades set up where supporters are expected to line up for the event.
Some visitors have already traveled to the Coastal Bend to see the president speak. Philip Matthews and his wife drove in from San Antonio, saying they previously attended a Trump event in their hometown.
“We came from San Antonio – my wife and I – and actually, we went to see President Trump whenever he was in San Antonio, and we just couldn’t wait to go see him speak again,” Matthews said.
Matthews said he was excited about the opportunity to see the president in person.
“No, heck, I really never planned on seeing President Trump in person. But this is totally awesome. I just can’t wait for tomorrow,” he said.
Local law enforcement agencies are working with state and federal partners ahead of the presidential visit.
Nueces County Sheriff J.C. Hooper said more than a dozen law enforcement agencies are involved in the effort, with planning that includes the president’s arrival at Corpus Christi International Airport, the motorcade to the port and the event itself.
“There’s well over – more than a dozen law enforcement agencies involved from the local level all the way up to the national level. So you’ve got city, county, state police, and many federal agencies,” Hooper said.
Hooper said agencies have already met to develop a plan for the visit. He also pointed to the Port of Corpus Christi Police Department’s familiarity with the area.
“We’re blessed to have the Port Police out there in that environment. That’s their home base, and so we’ve got a great venue, similar to the last time when he visited, and we feel we’ve got a really good grasp on the safety, the security of the event,” Hooper said.
Texas Department of Public Safety Sergeant Rob Mallory said local, state and federal agencies are working together to help keep the community safe.
“We all work together to keep this community safe every single day, definitely working together to make sure that for the president’s visit, everybody stays safe,” Mallory said.
Drivers should prepare for road closures and traffic delays near the Port of Corpus Christi on Tuesday, October 27. According to a traffic alert, closures are expected to begin at noon and continue until approximately 4 p.m.
The following closures are planned:
Harbor Bridge southbound: Completely closed. Drivers will exit at the Joe Fulton Corridor exit.
Harbor Bridge northbound: The left lane will be closed.
Harbor Bridge shared-use path: The sidewalk and shared-use path will be completely closed.
North Port Avenue and Martin Luther King Drive: Northbound and southbound traffic near Whataburger Field will be closed.
DPS is urging drivers to plan ahead, allow extra time and follow directions from law enforcement officers.
“The best thing I tell him is plan ahead for tomorrow if you need to be somewhere – get there earlier,” Mallory said. “Because there – you can’t expect delays during the time the President is expected here, and there may be several road closures that go on with that as well.”
Mallory also urged drivers to stay alert and obey officers directing traffic or managing road closures.
“If you see law enforcement officers out there directing traffic or roads closed, make sure you take all direction from them,” he said.
Drivers traveling near The Port of Corpus Christi should consider alternate routes and allow additional time to reach their destinations.