Texans Press to Halt $7 Billion Big Bend Border Build as CBP Extends 2-Week Park Pause
Updated
Updated · CNN International · Aug 19
Texans Press to Halt $7 Billion Big Bend Border Build as CBP Extends 2-Week Park Pause
3 articles · Updated · CNN International · Aug 19
Summary
Dozens of Texans urged the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission on Wednesday to help stop border construction in the Big Bend region, hours after opponents rallied in Austin and as bulldozers were removed from active sites in the national park.
CBP chief Rodney Scott told local sheriffs the pause in Big Bend National Park would last at least two weeks while he meets stakeholders, and said the agency could drop plans for new patrol roads there in favor of existing ones.
The broader federal plan still calls for more than $7 billion in barriers, roads and technology across Big Bend, including 17 miles of vehicle barriers, 200 miles of patrol roads and 175 miles of 30-foot wall west of the park.
Opponents say the work threatens wildlife, archaeology and tourism in a region where Big Bend Sector accounted for just 1.3% of border apprehensions in 2025, while Texas and environmental groups are pursuing at least four lawsuits.