Wall construction starts in Big Bend

The Trump administration has begun installing border wall panels in a 47-mile stretch of Hudspeth County in west Texas, marking the first major construction in an area facing heavy local opposition.

46 billion dollar border plan accelerates

Customs and Border Protection is now building an average of 12 miles of barriers per week along the 2,000-mile border, double the pace from earlier this year, as part of a $46 billion plan to add walls, barriers, roads and technology.

Local opposition runs deep in Big Bend

Landowners, ranchers, environmental groups and business owners argue the remote Big Bend region isn't a high-traffic area for illegal immigration and that construction will damage the landscape and infringe on private property rights.

Activists vow to continue the fight

Clara Benson of the No Big Bend Wall Coalition said the group will keep opposing the project despite construction starting. She noted that even if the wall is built, locals plan to fight for its removal.

“We will continue to fight for this land no matter what the outcome is. We will continue fighting to the end.”

Landowners file lawsuit to block wall

Earlier this week, landowners, ranchers, business owners and a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the region sued to stop the administration's border wall plans in Big Bend.

Construction paused in national park

The administration temporarily suspended construction in Big Bend National Park, a major tourist destination on the Rio Grande, in an attempt to reach out to opponents while continuing work on private land outside the park.