A Federal Judge Halts Border Wall Construction in Big Bend
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A Federal Judge Slams the Brakes on Big Bend Border Wall Construction (23 hours ago)
The Trump administration's plans to fast-track a section of the border wall in Texas' Big Bend region have been dealt a significant blow. Federal Judge Kathleen Cardone granted a preliminary injunction, stopping construction on the border wall in the expansive Big Bend sector, including national and state parks.
Key Takeaways:
- Injunction: Cardone's ruling halts border barrier construction across the entire Big Bend sector, which spans over 500 miles in West Texas.
- Reasons: The judge cited the plaintiffs' likelihood of success in their lawsuit and the potential for irreparable harm if construction continues.
- Plaintiffs' Claims: The lawsuit, filed in April, argued that the federal government waived numerous laws to expedite the border wall project, including the National Environmental Policy Act and the Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act.
- Testimony: An analyst testified that the Big Bend sector has low unauthorized border crossings, contrary to the government's claims.
- Impact: The ruling stays the effect of federal waivers, ensuring construction within the state and national parks cannot proceed without proper legal adherence.
- Plaintiff Reactions: Celebrations and tears filled the federal courtroom in El Paso as advocates welcomed the ruling.
This development comes after Customs and Border Protection (CBP) changed its construction plans several times in the Big Bend region since February. Currently, they aim to build vehicle barriers and access roads within the parks and a 30-foot steel wall on private land outside the parks.
A river guide, one of the plaintiffs, described the construction as a "visible scar that will never go away."