New Border Wall Tactics Prompt Landowner Pushback in Texas’ Big Bend

In late April, USACE held one-on-one meetings with landowners in Presidio and Redford after CBP mailed “Right of Entry for Construction” (ROE-C) forms. The 175-mile Rio Grande corridor from Hudspeth to Presidio counties involves roughly 330 private owners; 60-70 have sought information from the No Big Bend Wall coalition. ROE-C offers up to $5,000 for immediate surveys and permits construction before purchase or eminent-domain. Contracts with Barnard Inc. and Fisher Sand & Gravel total about $3 billion, and a proposed 500-person man camp would draw 25,000 gallons of water daily.

Texas Public Radio

CBP letters, signed by Infrastructure Portfolio Director Paul Enriquez, describe the “preferred and ideal route” as granting immediate construction rights to avoid delays. USACE officials told landowners purchase offers could appear within a year and construction may begin in segments where authorizations exist. The agency noted LiDAR surveys on state-owned rights-of-way.

The Texas Observer

Landowners and advocacy groups say ROE-C forms pressure owners into premature consent and sidestep eminent-domain safeguards. Attorneys warn that without a guaranteed condemnation filing, owners could be left with a wall on their property without adequate compensation. Critics cite flooding risk, groundwater depletion, and damage to archaeological sites and cemeteries. Diana Valles described a five-day deadline letter, returned the $2,500 check and sought to rescind consent. Esteban Mesa hopes his objections will be heard; Joe Pineda warns the wall threatens water rights and historic burial grounds. Charlie Angell flagged the Polvo archaeological site on his land.

The Texas Observer

CBP has not disclosed how many owners have formally signed ROE-C agreements; David Keller describes agreements as “spotty,” while USACE says it has contacted 80-90 % of owners. The condemnation timeline and groundwater impact remain unclear.

The Texas Observer

• “Agreements with landowners — if they've gotten any — are spotty,” — David Keller, No Big Bend Wall coalition leader

Texas Public Radio

• “We figured, 'Okay, we'll just play along with them just so that we don't end up losing everything,'” — Diana Valles, landowner

Texas Public Radio

• “These actually give permission by the landowner to allow for construction operations on the property,” — Carlos E. Flores, Laredo attorney

The Texas Observer

CBP extended the public comment period for the Big Bend wall plan to May 22. The Culberson County Groundwater Conservation District will consider Ybarra’s water-use proposal for the man camp. Landowners seek legal counsel; USACE will continue outreach on purchase offers.

Texas Public Radio