English: This is one of the several US - Mexico international bridges in the Nuevo Laredo - Laredo area — the Juarez Lincoln International Bridge — which serves as a legal border crossing between the United States and Mexico. Only cars and passengers are permitted to use this International Bridge — merchandise and pedestrians should use other bridges. This bridge is also used by the United States government to deport illegal immigrants. The bridge also serves as the place of gathering for local governments to hold festivities. The bridge crosses over the Rio Grande river, which is the international border limit between the United States of America and Mexico — hence, the bridge is divided in the middle to legally separate maintenance of each area by their respective country. The American side of the bridge is heavily guarded, while the Mexican side of the bridge has improvised street vendors.