Judge blocks border wall projects

U.S. District Judge Kathleen Cardone halted further border barrier construction in the Big Bend region, approving an environmental group’s motion for a preliminary injunction.

Environmental group sues

The Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security and its secretary on behalf of the Friends of the Ruidosa Church and Danny William Miller, a Rio Grande river guide.

Constitutional claims

The lawsuit argues that the five contracted border wall projects violate constitutional separation of powers and deprive citizens of their land.

Environmental impact

Zeynep Graves, a Center for Biological Diversity attorney, stated that wall construction harms the community at all levels, affecting the landscape and river access.

“The harm reaches far beyond the landscape itself.”

Personal testimony

Danny William Miller compared the wall construction to a bullet to the head, saying it would end his river guiding career and replace wilderness tours with military industrial complex tours.

Rancher's concerns

Bill Guerra-Addington, a Hudspeth County resident, testified that a border barrier would be a death sentence for his ranch, taking the river away and causing devastation.

“They’re taking the river away from us, and it’s devastating.”

Government response

DHS claims border infrastructure is necessary for operational control, with former Secretary Kristi Noem stating the border is the most secure in history despite ongoing construction.