Trump Administration Pauses Big Bend Border Wall Construction

The Trump administration has paused border wall construction at Big Bend National Park in Texas. This decision was announced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott, who stated that he put a pause on all activity in the park as far as construction goes until he can conduct a personal evaluation and talk to stakeholders and local law enforcement.

The construction of the wall inside the national park has been met with bipartisan pushback and criticism that the job has been rushed and is damaging to the environment. Earlier this year, then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem signed at least 28 environmental and cultural preservation waivers to speed up the project. The government has also threatened to seize land if property owners don't grant access.

Commissioner Scott said that CBP is firmly committed to protecting America, including its national treasures like Big Bend National Park. He added that his evaluation will ensure America secures its borders while simultaneously protecting the park for generations to come. Despite containing about 517 miles of the Southern border along the Rio Grande, the Big Bend region accounts for a tiny fraction of border crossings due to its rugged terrain.