From Dallas Express · Dallas Express · · 1m 30s
Big Bend Border Construction Blocked
Judge halts Texas border construction after 74% drop in apprehensions.
In brief
Judge halts Texas border construction after 74% drop in apprehensions. A federal judge blocked border construction in Texas' Big Bend Sector, citing a 74% drop in apprehensions since 2023. Originally reported by Dallas Express.
Judge blocks border construction
A federal judge on Friday blocked border barriers, roads and related construction across Texas' Big Bend Sector, suspending federal waivers that allowed the government to bypass environmental and historic-preservation laws.
Construction projects halted
The injunction bars federal defendants from construction and ground-disturbing activities throughout the sector unless they comply with applicable laws, and remains effective until the court orders otherwise.
Apprehensions fell 74%
Border Patrol recorded 3,096 sector apprehensions in fiscal 2025, down 74% from 11,823 in fiscal 2023, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
Security improvements
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott described a new access road, improvements to existing roads, detection technology and vehicle barriers in limited locations in an August 13 statement.
Existing security measures
The sector already had 55 autonomous surveillance towers and other detection technology, CBP reported in December 2025.
Lawsuit filed
Friends of the Ruidosa Church, the Center for Biological Diversity and river guide and landowner Danny William Miller Jr. filed the lawsuit April 16, expanding it June 11 to challenge construction through the national park.
Next steps
CBP defended its assessment and legal authority after the ruling, stating they are working with the Department of Justice on next steps while the underlying lawsuit remains pending.
At a glance
A federal judge blocked border construction in Texas' Big Bend Sector, citing a 74% drop in apprehensions since 2023.
