Story perspectives

CBP Starts Big Bend 1 Wall Panels, Doubling Pace

By Drooid · Sep 19, 2026, 4:23 PM UTC · How we work

Center

Accelerated Wall Construction

U.S. Customs and Border Protection began installing border-wall panels on September 15 2026 in the 47.3-mile Big Bend 1 project in Hudspeth County, Texas.
The agency presents the construction as part of its “Smart Wall” program, publishing mileage and status data on an interactive map.
The $46.5 billion project is funded by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, authorized by President Donald Trump.
CBP reports constructing 12 miles of barriers weekly, twice the pace cited earlier this year.

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Landowner Bonus Controversy

U.S. Customs and Border Protection began installing border-wall panels on September 15 2026 in the 47.3-mile Big Bend 1 project in Hudspeth County, Texas.
Signing bonuses were offered by CBP to landowners to secure easements and sidestep eminent-domain lawsuits.
Local landowners, businesses, and environmental groups say the wall endangers property values, tourism, and wilderness.
Construction near Big Bend National Park threatens rock-art murals, leading over 150 businesses to refuse services.

History

Historical Context

After the Mexican-American War set the present border, the U.S. began erecting fences in the early 20th century, expanding to a 700-mile double-layered barrier authorized by President George W. Bush on Oct 26 2006. DHS reported completing about 650 miles by May 2011, and in Sep 2026 CBP launched the Big Bend 1 project in Texas, continuing federal wall spending.

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Accelerated Wall Construction

U.S. Customs and Border Protection began installing border-wall panels on September 15 2026 in the 47.3-mile Big Bend 1 project in Hudspeth County, Texas.
The agency presents the construction as part of its “Smart Wall” program, publishing mileage and status data on an interactive map.
The $46.5 billion project is funded by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, authorized by President Donald Trump.
CBP reports constructing 12 miles of barriers weekly, twice the pace cited earlier this year.

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