One of two international bridges remained closed to traffic for the second day on Thursday, creating long lines at the other bridge and frustrating residents who were surprised that an emergency declaration was issued in this border town.

Eagle Pass Mayor Rolando Salinas on Wednesday night issued an emergency declaration he said due to the thousands of asylum-seekers who are streaming across the Rio Grande from Piedras Negras, Mexico.

Thousands of migrants crossed into the small city of Eagle Pass, Texas, from Mexico on Wednesday, crowding onto the banks of the Rio Grande and under an international bridge in what officials described as an unfolding crisis.

The mayor, Rolando Salinas Jr., declared a state of emergency, seeking additional support to respond to an influx of migrants that reached 2,500 on Wednesday, overwhelming the city of 28,000 that has been a focal point of efforts by the state of Texas to deter illegal crossings.

An endless flow of immigrants streamed across the Rio Grande onto U.S. soil in Eagle Pass daily this week, sending the Border Patrol deep into a "catch and release" state of operations and spooking residents unaccustomed to the unfamiliar faces showing up in their once-quiet neighborhoods.

Maverick County Sheriff Tom Schmerber, an Eagle Pass native, said "security" in town is a growing concern given how many people have already been released after entering Eagle Pass this week.