DHS Waives Dozens of Laws for $1.7 Billion Big Bend Border Barrier
Updated
Updated · Center for Biological Diversity · Jun 8
DHS Waives Dozens of Laws for $1.7 Billion Big Bend Border Barrier
3 articles · Updated · Center for Biological Diversity · Jun 8
Summary
Big Bend National Park became the first U.S. national park where DHS waived a broad slate of environmental laws to accelerate border barriers, roads, lighting, cameras and sensors.
The waiver is meant to speed construction after DHS awarded a $1.7 billion May contract for wall work through Big Bend and a separate $2.6 billion contract last week for the Lower Canyons stretch.
CBP's public map had shown steel vehicle barriers and patrol roads, but the waiver authorizes the full range of border infrastructure across Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park.
The move lands despite historically low migrant apprehensions; the Big Bend sector accounts for 1.3% of nationwide arrests, while conservation groups and local plaintiffs are already suing and seeking records.
The action extends a broader push in the region after a May waiver covering about 60 miles of the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River and a February waiver for upriver sections.