Colonias are widespread but still lack basic services, study finds

A new report by the Brookings Institution examines a paradox along the U.S.-Mexico border: the government is spending billions of dollars on border security infrastructure, yet thousands of unincorporated communities known as “colonias” lack basic services such as paved roads, drainage systems, safe drinking water, and access to essential services.

The report, titled “As Border Enforcement Expands, ‘Colonia’ Communities Are Left Without Basic Infrastructure,” was published on April 30 and focuses on border communities in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas.

One of the authors of the report, Adrik Gonzalez, appeared on Border Report Live on Tuesday. He outlined how outdated data, gaps in state and federal oversight, and limited county authority have left thousands of families vulnerable to flooding, public health risks, and long-term economic neglect — and why he says updating federal definitions and empowering local governments is critical to fixing the problem.