Story perspectives

Trump Installs Wall Panels on Big Bend 1, 12 Miles/Week

By Drooid · Sep 22, 2026, 4:20 PM UTC · How we work

Center

Judge Pauses Big Bend

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration began installing wall panels on Big Bend 1 stretch of U.S.–Mexico border in Hudspeth County, Texas, on September 19, 2026.
Customs and Border Protection reported barrier construction at 12 miles per week—double earlier speed—and 200 miles added since the second Trump administration began.
Judge ordered a pause on work for Big Bend 2 and 4 projects until September 30, 2026.
Conserve Big Bend and six landowners sued on September 14, 2026, challenging the high-illegal-entry designation.

Left

Local Opposition Halts

U.S. President Donald Trump began installing 30-foot wall panels on Big Bend 1 stretch of Mexico border in Hudspeth County, Texas, on September 19, 2026.
Local residents, environmental advocates and GOP nominee Brandon Herrera opposed the wall, prompting a pause after a Texas Capitol rally.
Environmental groups warned the wall would harm Big Bend National Park and local communities.
Herrera’s campaign aide said the administration was consistently receptive to local concerns.

History

Historical Context

President George W. Bush signed the Secure Fence Act on October 26 2006, authorizing about 700 miles of border fencing and $1.2 billion. DHS finished the barrier by 2012, but the project generated ongoing lawsuits. In September 2026 the Trump administration installed 30-foot panels on the Big Bend 1 stretch, sparking new suits from Conserve Big Bend, local landowners and GOP nominee Brandon Herrera.

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Judge Pauses Big Bend

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration began installing wall panels on Big Bend 1 stretch of U.S.–Mexico border in Hudspeth County, Texas, on September 19, 2026.
Customs and Border Protection reported barrier construction at 12 miles per week—double earlier speed—and 200 miles added since the second Trump administration began.
Judge ordered a pause on work for Big Bend 2 and 4 projects until September 30, 2026.
Conserve Big Bend and six landowners sued on September 14, 2026, challenging the high-illegal-entry designation.

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