politics
Trump administration pauses border construction in Big Bend national park
Controversial project has faced bipartisan opposition by critics who say it mars pristine environmental area in Texas
TL;DR
- CBP is pausing all construction activity in Big Bend National Park.
- CBP head Rodney Scott will conduct a personal, on-the-ground evaluation of the project.
- Construction footage emerged after the Trump administration did not announce and initially denied the work.
- The project is part of a multibillion-dollar border wall expansion approved by Congress.
- Environmental groups and outgoing senator John Cornyn have expressed concern and opposition.
- Cornyn cited the park's natural terrain as sufficient deterrence for illegal crossings.
- Scott anticipates the first layer of the wall will be built by the end of next year.