Story perspectives

Corps Surveys Big Bend Wall, Landowners Cite Water Threats

4/29/2026

Center

CBP Surveys Land

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are gathering survey data and cultural resource information for CBP in the Big Bend region.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection leads the border-wall project while the Corps meets Presidio County landowners about acquisition.
The No Big Bend Wall coalition says 330 owners are affected, but only 60-70 have signed for information.
Using 1,000 acre-feet of water for a 500-person camp raised groundwater concerns.

Left

CBP Bonuses

U.S. Customs and Border Protection mailed landowners $5,000 signing-bonus letters to secure immediate border-wall construction consent.
Markers and LiDAR reference points were placed along the Texas-Mexico border by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Attorneys warn the agreements omit required condemnation lawsuits, exposing owners to uncompensated wall construction.
Rancher Yolanda Alvarado reports owners feel pressured to sign, lacking resources to contest in court.

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CBP Surveys Land

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are gathering survey data and cultural resource information for CBP in the Big Bend region.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection leads the border-wall project while the Corps meets Presidio County landowners about acquisition.
The No Big Bend Wall coalition says 330 owners are affected, but only 60-70 have signed for information.
Using 1,000 acre-feet of water for a 500-person camp raised groundwater concerns.

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