The Trump administration has temporarily suspended border construction work in a Texas national park
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has temporarily suspended all construction work in Big Bend National Park in Texas, where a controversial border project is underway. Work has been halted during a visit by U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott, who is there to personally assess the situation on the ground, according to France 24.
Scott stated that over the next few days he intends to meet with local authorities, residents, and other stakeholders. According to him, this is necessary to address threats to national security and to protect the park. U.S. Customs and Border Protection did not specify how long the pause will last or exactly whom Scott will meet with in Texas. It is also unclear at this time whether the suspension of work could lead to a permanent halt.
The project in South Texas has faced opposition from both Democrats and Republicans. Critics argue that the construction could damage the natural landscape of Big Bend. They point out that the mountainous and remote terrain already makes it difficult for migrants and smugglers to cross the border. The number of border crossings in this area has historically been lower than in other regions and has decreased even further over the past two years.
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Previously, U.S. Customs and Border Protection abandoned plans to build a 30-foot barrier wall through the parks. At the same time, it continued to push for other measures, including the construction of a new road, the installation of lighting and barriers to prevent vehicles from crossing the border, and the laying of underground fiber-optic cables.
Brewster County Sheriff Ronny Dodson, whose jurisdiction includes the national park, said he would meet with Scott. He expressed concern about potential damage to archaeological sites and Native American burial grounds during the road construction. Texas Governor Greg Abbott reported that Secretary of Homeland Security Mark Wayne Mullin, in a conversation with him, pledged not to build a wall or other barriers within the park. At the same time, Abbott made no mention of the road construction, which is a source of concern for local residents.
Last week, bulldozers were spotted in the park clearing the area. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated that the equipment was being used for survey and design work. Activists welcomed the pause but cautioned that construction could resume at any moment.
