Trump admin responds to border wall lawsuit by waiving a law at the center of the case
Summary
The Trump administration is continuing construction of a border wall in West Texas despite a lawsuit claiming the project violates a federal law designed to protect levees from damage. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responded to the lawsuit by waiving that law, allowing construction to proceed without required safety reviews.Key Facts
- The Presidio Municipal Development District (PMDD) sued the Trump administration over border wall plans near Presidio, Texas.
- PMDD says the wall and changes to a local levee could cause dangerous flooding affecting homes and businesses.
- The lawsuit focuses on the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, which requires government approval before altering levees.
- DHS had previously waived many laws to speed up wall construction but initially did not waive this 1899 law.
- On July 2, DHS waived the Rivers and Harbors Act to avoid delays in the wall project.
- PMDD argues the government is not coordinating properly with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as required by law.
- The levee system protects about 52 square miles of urban and farm land and was repaired after a major 2008 flood.
- PMDD wants a court to stop construction until proper safety reviews are done.
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