Trump administration begins Big Bend border wall construction amid landowner resistance

The Trump administration has begun physical construction on a $46.5 billion border expansion plan affecting an estimated 400 landowners across three West Texas counties. The project will deploy barrier infrastructure (fencing, vehicle barriers, sensors, surveillance, and roads) across 175 miles, with initial 47.3-mile phase active as of September 15. Opposition from local property holders and conservation groups has slowed land acquisition and created operational gaps; CBP's temporary park construction pause and legal challenges from landowner coalitions may extend timelines and alter project scope. The Big Bend region historically accounts for less than 2 percent of U.S. border apprehensions for unauthorized crossings.