In the 1920s, a resort town with alcohol and gambling grew up in the Horcon Tract.

In 1920, Prohibition was introduced throughout the United States, and Rio Rico, left across the river on the Mexican side, was happy to supply its northern neighbors with everything they wanted, including alcohol.

We will never know whether the American visitors knew that Rio Rico was an American, but the forgotten on the other side of the river, Rio Rico didn’t comply with Prohibition, providing alcohol and gambling to its guests.

In 1928, construction began on a bridge over the Rio Grande, and over time the Rio Grande changed its course. The residents accepted the authority of the Mexican government and acted as if the Horcon Tract was Mexican.

So, Río Rico developed as a de facto Mexican settlement.

Since the Rio Grande course change was artificial, the area technically remained under USA jurisdiction, but unaware of the situation, the Mexican authorities assumed control over the area known as the Horcón Tract.

Rio Rico had casinos and a nightclub with a dance floor the size of a basketball court. There were also cockfights and brothels. More than 200 of the fastest dogs arrived for the Rio Rico Kennel Club’s inauguration race.

Prohibition made Rio Rico’s economy flourish.

The name that was heard was that of Al Capone. There is no official record of him having been there. But it is assumed that his henchmen were in charge of pumping money into Rio Rico to turn it into a tourist area.

The good times ended after 1933 when Prohibition was repealed. Río Rico became an ordinary sleepy border town. For several decades, the residents of Rio Rico had forgotten that once they were the USA citizens.

Rio Rico also had a hotel and a theater. In the 1940s people traveled to Rio Rico to see films of Pedro Infante and Sara Garcia, iconic figures in Mexican cinema particularly during its Golden Age in the mid-20th century.

The situation remained unknown until 1967 when a citizen born in Rio Rico but living in Texas faced deportation issues. During the legal proceedings, was discovered that the Horcon Tract was originally part of the USA.

Following the revelation, the residents of Rio Rico began to assert their US nationality. The USA accepted the claims of 250 people, and most of them emigrated to the USA, leaving Rio Rico a shadow of what it once was.

It’s hard to believe Rio Rico was once a very active town. Now it is a quiet kind of settlement with small rickety houses scattered throughout the former Horcon Tract, most of which are abandoned and fallen into disrepair.

In 1967, geography professor James Hill did research on the area and created several well-documented maps of the area. One of those who took a more specific interest in the investigation was lawyer Laurier MacDonald.

Laurier MacDonald represented a client named Homero Cantu who was about to be deported from the United States to Mexico. McDonald was able to prove that because his client was born in Rio Rico, he was a US citizen.

The discovery brought attention to Rio Rico’s unusual position of making those who were born there American citizens by birthright. Following the revelation, the residents of Rio Rico began claiming their US citizenship.

The situation caused a lot of confusion and applications for US citizenship. Under increasing pressure, the United States accepted the claims of all Rio Rico residents and decided quickly to return the territory to Mexico.

People from all over Mexico, Europe, and even China have claimed to have been born in Rio Rico. Because many tried to gain US citizenship by claiming to be born in Rio Rico, lawyers had to evaluate their claims.

Even a fake “Rio Rico” birth certificate industry sprung up.

There were also funny and curious cases related to the US citizenship claims. Sometimes the situation depended on the room in which the applicant was born, since the house itself was located on an international border.

Most residents emigrated to the US, leaving Rio Rico a shadow of what it was.

Finally, the USA Board of Immigration Appeals ruled that all people born in Río Rico between 1906 and 1972 could claim US citizenship by birthright. As a result, a large portion of the village’s population moved to the USA.

The USA officially ceded the area to Mexico through the 1970 Border Treaty between the two nations, signed on November 23, 1970, and it was formally annexed by the state of Tamaulipas. The transfer took place in 1977.

To minimize future problems and regulate the borderline, the Boundary Treaty of 1970 between the USA and Mexico includes rules about what happens when the Rio Grande changes course.

If the Rio Grande naturally shifts sideways, eroding one bank and depositing sediment on the other, the boundary between the two countries will still follow the middle of the main river channel.

If the river changes differently, such as through construction or other human activities, and separates a piece of land from one country, the affected country has the right to restore the river to its original path.

If the separated land is less than 2.5 sq km and has fewer than 100 people, the affected country can take steps to move the river back.

In case, the river isn’t restored within a certain period, the boundary will be fixed according to the middle of the main channel, and the separated land will officially belong to the country it ends up in.

If the affected country decides not to restore the river, they must inform the other country. The boundary will then be set, and the land will change ownership immediately.

This treaty helps both countries manage changes in the river boundaries fairly.

The Rio Grande has changed course several times in recorded history, leading to several border disputes and uncertainties, both international (involving Mexico and the United States) and between individual US states.

The Country Club Dispute was a dispute between Texas and New Mexico. The US Supreme Court resolved this dispute in 1927.

The Chamizal dispute was a border conflict over a parcel of land between El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua. The dispute was resolved by the Chamizal settlement in 1963.

The Ojinaga Cut was a disputed parcel of land between Presidio, Texas, and Ojinaga, Chihuahua. The dispute was resolved by the Boundary Treaty of 1970.

The Horcón Tract was a parcel of land surrounded by an oxbow bend of the Rio Grande, that inadvertently defaulted to Mexican administration with time after an irrigation company in 1906 dug an unapproved cut across the oxbow.

Numerous border treaties are jointly administered by the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), which was established in 1889 to maintain the border, allocate river waters between the two nations, and provide for flood control and water sanitation.

Once viewed as a model of international cooperation, in recent decades the IBWC has been heavily criticized as an institutional anachronism, bypassed by modern social, environmental, and political issues.

In particular, jurisdictional issues regarding water rights in the Rio Grande Valley have caused tension between farmers in the border region and sparked a “water war”, according to Mexican political scientist Armand Peschard-Sverdrup.

Each border town features international crossings between both countries.

Tijuana, Mexico – San Diego, USA

Crossing: San Ysidro Port of Entry, Otay Mesa Port of Entry.

Tijuana is a bustling city located on the Mexico-USA border, just south of San Diego, California. Known for its vibrant culture, Tijuana offers a mix of traditional Mexican charm and modern development.

Visitors can explore Avenida Revolución, a famous street filled with shops, restaurants, and nightlife. The city also has beautiful beaches like Playas de Tijuana and a lively arts scene.

Mexicali, Mexico – Calexico, USA

Crossing: Calexico West Port of Entry, Calexico East Port of Entry.

Mexicali, the capital of Baja California, is a city with a rich agricultural and industrial history. It’s known for its scorching summers and delicious cuisine, including the world-famous Baja California-style fish tacos.

Visitors can explore museums, and parks, and enjoy the local music scene.

Nogales, Mexico – Nogales, USA

Crossing: DeConcini Port of Entry, Mariposa Port of Entry.

Nogales is a unique border town that straddles both Mexico and the USA.

It’s divided by a border fence, but its people share strong cultural ties. The town is famous for its shopping opportunities in Nogales, Sonora, offering everything from traditional Mexican crafts to modern goods.

Ciudad Juarez, Mexico – El Paso, USA

Crossing: Paso del Norte Bridge, Bridge of the Americas, Stanton Street Bridge.

Ciudad Juarez is a city with a vibrant history.

It has seen significant industrial growth over the years and is known for its thriving maquiladora industry. Visitors can explore historical sites like the Benito Juarez Monument and enjoy delicious street tacos.

Ciudad Acuña, Mexico – Del Rio, USA

Crossing: Del Rio-Ciudad Acuña International Bridge.

Located across the border from Del Rio, Texas, Ciudad Acuña is a tranquil town known for its friendly atmosphere. Acuña is an excellent place to enjoy traditional Mexican cuisine and a relaxed atmosphere.

Piedras Negras, Mexico – Eagle Pass, USA

Crossing: Eagle Pass International Bridge 1 and 2.

Piedras Negras is famous for being the birthplace of the delicious dish, “carne asada.” It’s a city with a rich culinary heritage and offers a blend of Mexican and Texan flavors. You can find excellent food and hospitality here.

Nuevo Laredo, Mexico – Laredo, USA

Crossing: Gateway to the Americas Bridge, Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge, World Trade International Bridge.

Nuevo Laredo is a busy border city adjacent to Laredo, Texas. It’s a crucial trade hub and is known for its international trade and logistics activities. The city is a gateway for goods traveling between Mexico and the USA.

Reynosa, Mexico – McAllen, USA

Crossing: McAllen-Hidalgo International Bridge, Anzalduas International Bridge.

Reynosa is another bustling border city, neighboring McAllen, Texas. Reynosa is a significant industrial and commercial center. The city’s culture is a unique fusion of Mexican and Texan influences.

Matamoros, Mexico – Brownsville, USA

Crossing: Gateway International Bridge, Brownsville & Matamoros International Bridge, Veterans International Bridge.

Matamoros is a city on the southern border of Texas, across from Brownsville. It boasts a beautiful waterfront and offers a glimpse of Mexico’s Gulf Coast culture. It’s known for its lively music scene, especially the “conjunto” music.

These border towns are fascinating places to visit and explore.

Towns along the Mexico-USA border can be a great travel experience. Many of these areas are thriving hubs of cultural exchange. But they may also face challenges related to immigration, security, and drug trafficking.

Check the specific situation in the city you plan to visit.

Stay informed about travel advisories

Check for travel advisories and updates from reliable sources or local authorities. These resources provide valuable information about safety conditions, potential risks, and any precautions you should take during your visit.

Choose well-traveled areas

Opt for well-populated and tourist-friendly areas when exploring border towns.

Popular spots often have increased security measures and a higher police presence, contributing to a safer environment for visitors. Avoiding isolated or less-frequented areas can reduce the likelihood of encountering safety issues.

Respect local laws and customs

Respecting local laws and customs is essential for a safe and respectful visit. Be aware of and adhere to any regulations, especially those related to border crossings, immigration procedures, and personal safety.

Familiarize yourself with the local culture to ensure you interact respectfully with the community.

Use common-sense safety measures

Apply common-sense safety measures during your visit.

Keep your belongings secure, be cautious in unfamiliar surroundings, and stay vigilant in crowded areas. Traveling with a group or guided tour can enhance your safety by providing local insights and support.

Consult local authorities

Don’t hesitate to consult local authorities or tourism offices. They can provide guidance on current conditions, areas to avoid, and any specific precautions you should take based on the latest information and situation.

Connect with fellow travelers

Talk with other travelers or join group activities to enhance safety. Traveling with others provides mutual support, and sharing experiences with fellow tourists can offer valuable insights into navigating the local environment.

While border towns present unique challenges, they also offer incredible cultural experiences and friendly communities. Take all the necessary precautions, you can enjoy your visit to these crossroads of two nations.

If you plan to explore the US part of these border towns, whether it’s for a brief and casual visit or a more extended stay, it’s important to be aware that you may be required to obtain a US B1/B2 visa.

However, there are exceptions.

If you are a citizen of a country that is part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you can travel to the US for up to 90 days with just an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) instead of a B1/B2 visa.

It’s important to check your specific situation and eligibility for the VWP or other visa exemptions.

Additionally, border regulations can change, so it’s a good idea to consult the official website of the US Department of State or U.S. Customs and Border Protection for the most up-to-date information before your trip.