A federal judge on Friday extended a pause on border wall construction in Big Bend National Park in Texas until September 15, following a court hearing in San Antonio. The halt, initially set to expire Monday, now applies to the national park and adjacent land upriver and west of the park, according to a Justice Department attorney.
The extension comes as U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia considers a request for a temporary restraining order to block the project. Attorneys for plaintiffs, including Native American activists and local residents, argued in court that the construction raises environmental and cultural concerns. Federal attorneys countered that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) holds authority to proceed with the project under congressional approval.
Background and Context
The pause follows an earlier halt ordered by CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott after bulldozers began survey and design work in the park, sparking widespread outrage. The Department of Homeland Security stated the activity was not full construction but preliminary assessments. Judge Garcia expressed hope that the extended pause would allow both sides to address concerns collaboratively.
Planned Construction and Legal Challenges
The Big Bend project is part of a broader $46 billion Trump administration plan to install barriers, detection technology, and roads along the 2,000-mile U.S.-Mexico border. Opponents, including environmental groups and landowners, have filed lawsuits challenging the project’s legality and environmental impact. Federal attorneys maintain that Congress granted CBP authority to proceed, while plaintiffs argue the government lacks jurisdiction in the national park.
Next Steps
Judge Garcia indicated he expects to rule on the temporary restraining order within four to six days. The pause remains in effect until the court’s decision or the September 15 deadline, whichever comes first.