‘It’s massive destruction’: outcry in Texas over waivers to allow border wall in Big Bend national park
Despite plunging border crossings, the Trump administration is circumventing laws to expedite building in a vast, pristine wilderness
TL;DR
- The Trump administration has waived environmental and historical preservation laws to build a border wall in Big Bend national park.
- The waivers allow for construction of various security infrastructure, including roads and vehicle barriers, despite Big Bend being a remote area with low unauthorized crossings.
- Critics, including local leaders and conservation groups, are protesting the potential environmental damage and the circumvention of laws protecting endangered species and cultural heritage.
- The Department of Homeland Security has previously used similar waivers for other protected lands but this is the first time for a national park.
- A legal challenge has been filed against the waivers, arguing they violate due process and constitutional rights.
- Despite opposition, a congressional measure to block funding for the project failed due to Republican opposition.