Court Extends Halt on Border Construction in Big Bend National Park to Mid-September

A federal judge agreed to keep the pause on border-related work in Big Bend National Park in effect until mid-September, a decision welcomed by the project's opponents.

Federal officials and plaintiffs reached an agreement in court on Friday to prolong a court-ordered pause on border-related construction inside Big Bend National Park until mid-September. The suspension follows a visit by Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott, who consulted with regional leaders after bulldozers began clearing sections of the park, prompting public outcry. The Department of Homeland Security maintained that the equipment was being used for initial design and surveying rather than full-scale building.

Judge Orlando L. Garcia, presiding in San Antonio, expressed hope that the added time would allow the parties to negotiate a solution that addresses environmental, cultural and security concerns. The halt applies both to the park and a nearby tract of land, and it is tied to a $46 billion border-security plan initiated by the Trump administration that envisions walls, barriers and detection technology along the southern border.

Government lawyer Pamela Amaechi argued that Congress granted CBP the authority to proceed, while plaintiffs contend the project infringes on Native American religious practices and exceeds statutory limits. Texas state Senator Roland Gutierrez hailed the extension as a temporary victory, noting that any delay could influence upcoming midterm elections and potential shifts in congressional control.