Full Breakdown
Big Bend Border Barrier Projects Resume Amid Conservation Lawsuits
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Construction Pause Ends and Projects Move Forward
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will lift its pause on ground-disturbing activities for the “Big Bend 2” barrier project on September 30. The 61-mile plan in Presidio County, which includes a 30-foot bollard-style pedestrian fence, a road, cameras, lights and sensors, was halted by a temporary Department of Homeland Security pause that expired on September 29. CBP is also reviewing a separate “Big Bend 4” proposal for roughly 17 miles of steel post-and-rail vehicle barriers and about 200 miles of new or upgraded patrol roads east of Big Bend National Park. A revised scope is expected in the first week of October.
Background & Context
The pause began after CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott announced on August 17 that work inside the park would be suspended for evaluation and stakeholder meetings. On August 31, CBP agreed to extend the suspension through September 30 while it engaged further. Lawsuits from groups such as Friends of the Ruidosa Church, river guide Billy Miller and the Center for Biological Diversity challenged CBP’s authority to waive environmental protections. In June, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin signed a waiver exempting the sector from dozens of federal laws, clearing the way for construction.
Data & Statistics
- Big Bend 2: ~61 miles of barrier, 30-foot bollard fence, road, cameras, lights, sensors.
- Big Bend 4: ~17 miles of non-contiguous steel post-and-rail vehicle barriers (?6 ft tall) and roughly 200 miles of new or improved patrol roads.
- CBP will not build a barrier inside the adjacent Big Bend Ranch State Park.
- Most of the Big Bend 2 alignment crosses privately owned land; CBP seeks easements and may refer uncooperative owners to the Justice Department.
Official Statements & Responses
The agency argues the infrastructure will “improve safety and security” and asked the court to deny plaintiffs’ request for another status hearing and a temporary restraining order. DHS has not issued a new public comment since the filing but maintains the construction is necessary for border-security operations.
Criticism & Opposition
Conservation groups say even a scaled-back project would cause “unprecedented damage” to wildlife migration, lighting, flooding patterns and the landscape. Clara Bensen of Conserve Big Bend called bulldozers “parked and waiting” a “devastating” sight for residents reliant on tourism and river access. Former park superintendent Bob Krumenaker, now chair of Keep Big Bend Wild, said the plans would only be acceptable if “significantly scaled back” and truly incorporated stakeholder views—conditions he says have not been met.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The September 29 filing notes that ground-disturbing activity for Big Bend 4 will not begin immediately because the pause has expired or until a revised project is approved, creating uncertainty about start dates. CBP also says “several additional weeks” are needed for contract administration and equipment mobilization, without a specific timeline.
What’s Next
CBP will release an update on the revised Big Bend 4 scope during the first week of October and post details online and in local media. A federal judge in El Paso is scheduled to hear evidence on Friday to decide whether to block further construction while lawsuits proceed. The hearing’s outcome and the final project revisions will determine if any barrier work proceeds inside the national park.