‘It’s massive destruction’: outcry in Texas over waivers to allow border wall in Big Bend national park
Summary
The Department of Homeland Security has waived several environmental and historic preservation laws to allow construction of border security infrastructure, including barriers and roads, within Big Bend National Park in Texas. This decision supports President Donald Trump’s plan to build a border wall, despite opposition from local leaders, environmentalists, and the fact that illegal crossings in the area are very low.Key Facts
- Congress allocated $46.5 billion last year for border wall construction.
- Big Bend National Park covers 800,000 acres and attracts about 500,000 visitors yearly.
- The waiver exempts the border wall project from major environmental and historic protection laws.
- The plan includes building 4-6 foot tall vehicle barriers in four parts, new roads up to 24 feet wide, and installing surveillance technology.
- Big Bend is home to endangered species, a declining bighorn sheep population, and Native American rock art.
- Local leaders and public land users have strongly opposed wall construction in the park.
- Illegal border crossings in the Big Bend sector are less than half a percent of total U.S. illegal crossings.
- Customs and Border Protection has provided little clear communication about the project’s details.
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