Border Wall Plan Sparks Outrage in Texas’ Big Bend

Texas Residents and Officials Oppose New Border Wall Construction

Plans for a new border wall in Texas’ Big Bend region are facing strong opposition from local residents, politicians, and law enforcement. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) intends to build over 120 miles of a 30-foot-high steel bollard wall. This project, which includes access roads and drainage gates, would cut through private property and threaten access to the Rio Grande, a vital water source for the area.

Local Livelihoods at Risk

Charlie Angel, a longtime resident and canoe tour operator, fears the wall will end his livelihood. For over a decade, Angel has lived and worked along the Rio Grande. “I always knew that if they were going to build a border wall, it would be right here, upending my life,” he stated. Letters from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have confirmed his fears, threatening eminent domain for the construction. The proposed barrier would effectively block access to the river, which Angel believes will also cause significant environmental damage.

Bipartisan Pushback Against Unnecessary Barrier

The Big Bend sector has historically seen some of the lowest illegal crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border. This is why the DHS plan has ignited bipartisan pushback. Many in the region, even in deep red counties, considered a wall here unthinkable. Presidio County Judge Jose Portillo, a Democrat and retired state police officer, highlighted the area’s low apprehension rates. “You can’t make a better wall than that right there,” Portillo said, referring to the natural ruggedness of the terrain.

Low Crossing Rates Question Border Wall Need

CBP data shows a significant drop in apprehensions in the Big Bend sector. Fiscal year 2023 saw nearly 12,000 apprehensions, which fell to just over 3,000 last year. This averages out to under nine people per day across 517 miles of border. Despite these low numbers, DHS has awarded over $1 billion in construction contracts for the Big Bend sector. “Even if they successfully make it this far, they show up with their hands up in the air and they give up. And what they want is food and water,” Portillo added, describing the typical outcome for migrants who reach the area.

Generational Land and Water Sources Threatened

Esteban Mesa, another local resident, showed the property his family has owned for generations. A crucial water source for his property is located near the river and is set to be directly impacted by the wall. “So you see, this is where I lift my water,” Mesa explained. When asked what he would do if a wall blocked his access to water, he responded, “I don’t know, nothing.” The construction threatens not only livelihoods but also fundamental resources for families who have lived in the region for generations.

Law Enforcement Prefers Surveillance Over Steel

Sheriff Danny Dominguez of Presidio County patrols the border daily and believes a physical wall is not needed. “We don’t need a physical wall here,” he stated. Last week, Dominguez joined four other sheriffs from deep red counties to sign a letter condemning the wall plans. They advocate for solutions focused on surveillance technology rather than building a physical barrier. “Would a wall make people safer here? No, I don’t think so,” Sheriff Dominguez concluded.

Looking Ahead: Legal Challenges and Community Action

A CBP spokesperson stated that the agency is finalizing wall plans, focusing on areas with historically high illegal entry rates. However, as construction looms, many in the Big Bend region feel they have everything to lose. Residents like Charlie Angel are determined to fight for their homes, livelihoods, and way of life along the Rio Grande. The coming months will likely see legal challenges and continued community mobilization against the border wall project.

Source: Trump’s plan for border wall worries local residents and politicians (YouTube)