Story perspectives

U.S. Bulldozes Road Corridor After Dropping 30-Foot Border Wall

8/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. federal government began bulldozing a corridor inside Big Bend National Park after dropping a 30-foot border wall.
Contractors cleared mesquite, brush and leveled a mile of ground for Rio Grande roadway near Santa Elena Canyon.
Environmentalists, former park officials and local sheriffs protested, saying area rarely sees crossings and road is unnecessary.
Senator John Cornyn and candidate James Talarico voiced concern about the park construction in August 2026.

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Story summary

The U.S. federal government began bulldozing a corridor inside Big Bend National Park after dropping a 30-foot border wall.
Contractors cleared mesquite, brush and leveled a mile of ground for Rio Grande roadway near Santa Elena Canyon.
Environmentalists, former park officials and local sheriffs protested, saying area rarely sees crossings and road is unnecessary.
Senator John Cornyn and candidate James Talarico voiced concern about the park construction in August 2026.