2 weeks ago
Trump administration pauses $1.7 billion Big Bend border project
The president's team wanted to build security things along the border between the United States and Mexico.
They chose a beautiful national park in Texas called Big Bend.
The park has mountains, rivers, deserts, and lots of animals like birds, bobcats, and black bears.
Many people who live near the park were very upset about this plan.
Even the judges from all 14 border counties in Texas said they did not like it.
The people in charge of border security said they would stop building for now.
They want to look at the park themselves before deciding what to do next.
A group that protects nature is also asking a court to stop the project.
The people who live there hope the building will never start again.
The Trump administration paused construction of a $1.7 billion border project at Texas' Big Bend National Park.
Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott announced the pause Monday, saying he would do a personal evaluation.
The project faced bipartisan backlash from local residents and all 14 Texas border county judges.
The Department of Homeland Security planned vehicle barriers, patrol roads, lighting and detection technology across the park.
The Center for Biological Diversity sued to block the project, alleging the environmental waivers violated the Constitution.
- Who
- The Trump administration, led by President Donald Trump, and Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott
- What
- Paused construction of a $1.7 billion border security project at Big Bend National Park
- Where
- Big Bend National Park, Texas, on the US-Mexico border
- When
- Announced Monday, after bulldozers broke ground earlier this month
- Why
- Following bipartisan opposition from local residents, officials, and environmental groups
Project opponents
Trump administration
Border security need
Project opponents
The terrain is quite literally impossible to traverse and apprehensions in the Big Bend Sector are relatively low, so the project is unnecessary.
Trump administration
The project is part of the president's broader push to build an immense border wall with Mexico and strengthen border security.
Environmental impact
Project opponents
Construction would destroy the park's biodiversity and rugged landscapes, requiring extensive dynamite blasting in areas like Mariscal Mountain.
Trump administration
The administration waived dozens of environmental laws to greenlight the project quickly.
Contract process
Project opponents
A no-bid $1.7 billion contract in a national park is an awful lot of money to spend and will destroy things.
Trump administration
The project was awarded through a non-competitive process as part of the border security push.
Key facts
- Project cost
- $1.7 billion
- Location
- Big Bend National Park, Texas
- Announced by
- CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott
- Contract type
- No-bid (non-competitive)
- Opponents
- All 14 Texas border county judges and local residents
- Big Bend Sector apprehensions
- 9,624 (January 2024 - July 2026)
- Swanton Sector apprehensions
- 23,080 (same period)
- Legal action
- Center for Biological Diversity lawsuit and planned emergency injunction
Quotes
Bernadette Devine
63-year-old teacher and protester
“"There's a no-bid contract for $1.7 billion in our national park. And that's an awful lot of money to spend. So we know that they will destroy things. They're already in there right now."”
firstpost.com
“"Last night, I put a pause on all activity in that park as far as construction goes, until I get down there and do a personal evaluation,"”
firstpost.com
Laiken Jordahl
National public lands advocate at the nonprofit Center for Biological Diversity
“"I've never seen communities so outraged and unified on a single flight, this has become a serious force to be reckoned with."”
firstpost.com
Sources
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