Trump predicts border wall completion by late 2027; 'protests do not disrupt construction schedule'

The United States aims to finish its controversial border wall project with Mexico by the end of 2027, a key campaign promise of former President Donald Trump. Rodney Scott, chief of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), announced the timeline Tuesday.

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The basic border barrier will be ready by the end of 2027, everywhere.

The wall, constructed from reinforced metal beams, will stretch from San Diego to the Gulf of Mexico, with exceptions in certain areas. Scott indicated that electronic surveillance and other monitoring devices would be integrated into the project by mid-2028. This announcement came during an event hosted by the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS).

Despite significant protests against illegal immigration that have led to disruptions for agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Border Patrol, Scott asserted that these demonstrations have not impacted the construction schedule. "The basic border barrier will be ready by the end of 2027, everywhere," he stated. He clarified that construction is intentionally avoided in areas deemed unnecessary, such as remote natural parks in New Mexico.

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The only places where we are not erecting the wall are where we have consciously decided that we do not need it.

Scott reported that the project is progressing rapidly, with approximately 10 kilometers of the wall being built daily. Since the administration began, about 177 kilometers have been completed. "We are ahead of schedule and under budget," Scott claimed. He also mentioned that the entire Rio Grande border, spanning over 2,000 kilometers, will feature physical barriers. The wall's objective extends beyond preventing undocumented crossings to include curbing drug trafficking, with official indicators showing a decrease in smuggling.

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We are building about six miles (about 10 km) daily, we have already built about 110 miles (about 177 km) since the beginning of the administration.

However, Scott acknowledged new challenges arising from the expanded physical barriers, such as the increased use of tunnels and drones. "We are seeing drones flying along the Rio Grande, monitoring and recording our personnel," he explained, adding that cartels are also using drones to smuggle drugs.

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We are ahead of schedule and under budget.