Key facts
- The Trump administration is proceeding with border wall construction in the Big Bend region of west Texas.
- Construction began this week in Hudspeth County, east of El Paso.
- Customs and Border Protection (CBP) started installing 30ft steel bollard fencing on September 15.
- CBP is offering signing bonuses to landowners to avoid eminent domain disputes.
- The No Big Bend Wall coalition estimates 400 landowners with Rio Grande frontage are targeted for wall construction.
- More than half of these landowners have joined the coalition to dispute eminent domain claims.
The Trump administration is continuing with plans to construct a border wall in the Big Bend region of west Texas, facing significant opposition from local landowners and environmental advocates. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) began installing 30-foot steel bollard fencing in Hudspeth County on September 15, a move that has drawn criticism for its rapid pace and lack of prior announcement.
CBP is reportedly offering signing bonuses to landowners to secure rights-of-way, but many are resisting, with over half of the estimated 400 targeted landowners joining the No Big Bend Wall coalition to contest the government's use of eminent domain. This has resulted in an incomplete patchwork of permissions, preventing the construction of a contiguous wall.
Clara Bensen, communications director for No Big Bend Wall, described the administration's approach as illogical and lacking a fully developed plan, stating that CBP is "just grasping on to whatever little plots of land they’ve managed to get so far." The project is funded by a substantial allocation for border wall expansion.
The Big Bend region, characterized by its rugged terrain and natural barriers, has historically seen low rates of illegal crossings, which have further decreased under recent border crackdowns. Despite this, CBP plans include expanding its "smart wall" infrastructure, a mix of fencing, barriers, patrol roads, and sensors, into Big Bend National Park and other protected areas like Big Bend Ranch State Park and Amistad National Recreation Area.
These expansion plans have sparked protests and bipartisan criticism, particularly concerning the potential damage to natural landscapes and cultural heritage, including ancient rock art murals. Former park superintendent Bob Krumenaker is leading efforts to advocate for the park's protection, viewing the issue as nonpartisan.