politics
'Devastating': Bulldozers Plow Through Big Bend National Park as Trump's Border Work Pushes Ahead
Heavy machinery seen operating in famous Santa Elena Canyon amid outcry over new wall infrastructure in beloved Texas park
TL;DR
- Bulldozers are operating at the mouth of Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park for border infrastructure expansion.
- Activists captured footage of the machinery, which CBP initially denied was for construction, later admitting it was for soil assessment and prep work.
- The expansion includes plans for patrol roads and vehicle barriers, with dozens of federal environmental and cultural protection laws waived.
- Opponents criticize the project due to low unlawful crossing numbers in the area and potential damage to the park's wilderness.
- A lawsuit has been filed against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) challenging the waiver of federal laws.
- Some Texas Republicans have remained largely silent on the controversial plans, while one outgoing senator has called for a halt to construction.