Trump Government Pauses Texas Border Megaproject After Bipartisan Criticism

The Donald Trump administration has halted construction on a massive $1.7 billion engineering project in Texas's Big Bend National Park, following strong bipartisan opposition. The Department of Homeland Security had planned to build vehicle barriers, patrol roads, and install lighting and detection technology throughout the park, known for its spectacular views and rich biodiversity.

Excavation for the project began earlier this month on public lands that combine desert, river, and mountain ecosystems, including the famed Santa Elena Canyon. However, Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott announced a pause on all construction activities in the park pending a personal assessment. "Anoche ordené una pausa en toda actividad en ese parque, en lo que respecta a la construcción, hasta que pueda ir allí y hacer una evaluación personal," Scott said in a video posted on X, adding that he would consult with local stakeholders.

The administration had previously waived dozens of environmental laws to greenlight the project, which was part of a broader effort to construct a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. The fierce opposition transcended party lines, including a joint letter from 14 Texas border county judges who, while supporting border security, called for more "practical" solutions. Additionally, five Texas regional sheriffs wrote to federal officials suggesting advanced surveillance technology would be more suitable for deterring undocumented migration in the rugged terrain.

"This is one of the most inhospitable places in the United States," Jake Knight, executive director of the Big Bend Protection Alliance, told AFP, criticizing the project's suitability. "It is literally impossible to traverse, whether on foot or by vehicle, from the other side into this area. Furthermore, this does not respond to the will of the people of this region."

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This is one of the most inhospitable places in the United States. It is literally impossible to traverse, whether on foot or by vehicle, from the other side into this area. Furthermore, this does not respond to the will of the people of this region.