EL PASO, Texas -- The mayors of cities like Brownsville, Eagle Pass, and Del Rio have protested in a somewhat unusual way against building border fences in their towns, by saying the federal government can't step foot on city property. El Paso Mayor John Cook supports his counterparts.

"What the border mayors have asked for is consult the local communities when you are making these decisions," said Cook.

Cook said the walls and fences work here in El Paso, but they may not in a smaller town like Brownsville.

"We want them to understand that one size doesn't fit all, that every community is different, and that the local elected officials should be heard," said Cook.

The federal government said nothing is written in stone.

"The final decisions on the location of the design of fencing projects will be made after considering the assessments and gathering the local input," said Michael Friel with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

KFOX asked Borderland residents what they thought about the border towns taking a stand.

"I guess I can understand it's their property and they have whatever, they have that right to that issue," said Philip Romero from Berino, N.M.

"I think the government's right, the federal government, because they are trying to do federal security," said David Kelly, from Northeast El Paso.

Everyone agreed there should be a dialogue between the cities and the government.

"I think they should also take the cities' opinion into consideration as well," said Meghan Sheridan, from West El Paso.

"There should be some compromise, but they should all look at the final objective, which is security," said David Kelly from Northeast El Paso.

Federal government officials said they will do exactly that.

"Throughout this entire process we have a commitment to get some community input and make sure that we work with the local land owners to get their feedback and input," said Friel.

Cook believes in the border mayors' protest, but he also believes it will be short-lived, as the federal government has ultimate control over that land through the use of eminent domain.