Longtime border reporters Alfredo Corchado and Jason Buch and experienced politics reporter Ben Wermund all separately heard from residents of Eagle Pass, Texas, about the controversial Puerto Verde international trade bridge planned for their community. The three pooled their resources to conduct a deep dive into Puerto Verde owner Ruben Garibay, uncovering the influence he wields among Texas politicians. Wermund investigated Garibay's political influence at the state and national level, diving into his campaign finances and lobbying expenses. Corchado, who for many years was a correspondent in Mexico City, explored Garibay's business interests in that country and joined Buch in on-the-ground reporting about the controversial Puerto Verde bridge project.
