Trump administration pauses Big Bend National Park border construction after criticism

Aug 17, 2026

The Trump administration temporarily pauses border security construction in Texas' Big Bend National Park following intense bipartisan opposition. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott orders the halt on August 16, 2026, to conduct an on-the-ground evaluation and meet with local stakeholders. Critics, including Republican Senator John Cornyn, argue the park's rugged terrain serves as a natural barrier, noting the sector accounted for only 1.3% of border apprehensions in fiscal year 2025.

Big Bend border construction pause

▪U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott announced on August 17, 2026, a temporary pause on border construction in Big Bend National Park.
▪Texas State Senator Roland Gutierrez filed a petition seeking a temporary restraining order to halt the border construction in Big Bend National Park.
▪Heavy machinery and bulldozers had arrived in Big Bend National Park earlier in August 2026 to begin clearing land and survey work.

Bipartisan opposition to project

▪Republican Senator John Cornyn of Texas wrote to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin on August 7, 2026, requesting a halt to the Big Bend construction.
▪U.S. Representative Chip Roy, a Republican from Austin, thanked U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott for pausing the construction.
▪Local residents, businesses, environmental groups, and both Democratic and Republican sheriffs in the region have opposed the border infrastructure project.
▪Both candidates for Texas' 23rd Congressional District, which contains the Big Bend region, oppose the border wall construction effort.

Big Bend terrain characteristics

▪Opponents state that construction will irreparably damage Big Bend National Park's unique ecology, pristine environment, and local tourism industry.
▪Critics and Senator John Cornyn argue that Big Bend National Park's 1,000-foot riverbank cliffs, steep mountains, and deep canyons act as a natural barrier.

Border crossing patterns

▪Border crossings in the Big Bend National Park region have historically been lower than other regions and dropped further over the past two years.
▪The U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Big Bend sector accounted for only 1.3% of apprehensions along the southern border in fiscal year 2025.

CBP infrastructure plans

▪U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott stated that the infrastructure is necessary to prevent cartels from exploiting Big Bend as an opening.
▪U.S. Customs and Border Protection stated it does not plan to build a 30-foot-tall bollard wall or install stadium lighting in Big Bend National Park.
▪U.S. Customs and Border Protection plans to build an access road, vehicle barriers, and install surveillance technology like fiber optic cables in Big Bend National Park.

Stakeholder consultation process

▪U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott announced he would conduct an on-the-ground evaluation and meet with local leadership and stakeholders.
▪Terrell County Sheriff Thaddeus Cleveland and other regional sheriffs scheduled a meeting with U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott on August 18, 2026.