Texas Landowners File Lawsuit Against Border Wall Plans in Big Bend Region

MARFA, Texas (AP) — Landowners, ranchers, and business owners in the Big Bend region of Texas, along with the nonprofit organization Conserve Big Bend, are suing to halt the Trump administration's plans to construct a wall and other border infrastructure in the area. The lawsuit comes as the administration is advancing a $46 billion initiative to build a series of 30-foot (9-meter) steel bollard walls, vehicle barriers, and technology along the approximately 2,000-mile southern border, aimed at curbing smuggling and migration. In Texas, this initiative has faced multiple lawsuits and opposition from various stakeholders, including sheriffs, elected officials, tour guides, environmental groups, and landowners. David Keller, an archaeologist and historian from the region, stated, "Officials backing the wall were woefully unprepared for the hornet's nest they stirred up because they had no idea how much we love this place. For us, the Big Bend is not an empty place on the map; it is our home." The administration has waived several regulations intended to protect the environment, archaeology, and wildlife, citing an urgent need to secure the border in areas deemed as having high illegal entry. However, the plaintiffs argue that the Big Bend region does not meet this description, referencing Customs and Border Protection statistics that indicate it accounts for only about 1% of border arrests. Laura Allen, a local rancher, expressed concerns about the wall's impact on her family's ranch and noted a decrease in illegal border arrests since Trump took office. The plaintiffs contend that the Department of Homeland Security is misusing its authority to waive regulations for border infrastructure in areas with low illegal crossings. The lawsuit is part of ongoing efforts to challenge the administration's plans in Texas and other locations. The most significant concerns have arisen regarding Customs and Border Protection's plans for Big Bend National Park, which is located in a remote area where the Rio Grande separates the U.S. from Mexico. Although the government has stated that no final plans have been established for the park, proposed plans include building a new road and installing detection technology and barriers. Following reports of land clearing in the park, there was public outrage, leading to a temporary pause in construction-related activities by CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott. Local residents and activists continue to seek further changes to the administration's plans. Native American groups have raised concerns that construction could impede their religious practices and damage significant sites, while environmentalists worry about potential flooding and the impact on wildlife migration. Landowners have also expressed concerns about their ability to access the Rio Grande for livestock and crop irrigation.