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2026-09-20 10:30:10
[Trump Administration Begins Border Wall Construction in Big Bend Despite Local Opposition] (1) Despite opposition from local leaders, the Trump administration has begun construction on a section of the U.S.-Mexico border wall that runs through the Big Bend region of southwestern Texas. (2) U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) told the Associated Press on Friday that work has begun installing 30-foot-high wall panels along this southern border. Construction began earlier this week, and the agency’s website also published a photo that appears to show cranes lifting the wall panels. CBP added that it does not plan to build the border wall in “Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park, or Black Canyon Wildlife Management Area.” (3) Big Bend is located at a bend in the Rio Grande River and is known for its mountain, river canyon, and desert landscapes, as well as being home to the national park of the same name. There are five projects in the area, with the Hudderspes County project referred to as “Big Bend 1” on the CBP website. A federal judge has suspended Big Bend 2 and 4 projects until the end of September to “allow more public participation.” (4) Local leaders and residents in Big Bend are concerned that the border wall project will infringe on landowners' rights, damage the national park, and consequently impact the economy. Clara Benson, founder of the Coalition Against the Big Bend Border Wall, told the Associated Press that she had received reports of construction materials being brought into the area and that the organization would “continue to fight for this land, no matter what.” She said, “We will fight to the end… You talk to people in West Texas, and they will say that even if they build it, we will fight to have it torn down. So this fight is not over.” (5) Yolanda Alvarado, a local rancher and regional director of the advocacy group Against the Big Bend Border Wall, said, “Our livelihoods are currently threatened. Not just landowners, but business owners, and not just Big Bend National Park… but everyone in this area.” (6) In March of this year, bipartisan sheriffs from five counties jointly wrote to federal and state officials opposing the construction of the border wall in the area. Recently, outgoing Texas Senator John Cornyn (Republican) urged federal officials to meet with stakeholders on the matter.
