Federal Judge Halts Trump Border Project in Big Bend National Park
Federal judge blocks Trump administration’s border infrastructure plans in Big Bend National Park.
2 min read
A federal judge has issued an emergency injunction halting the Trump administration’s border infrastructure project in Big Bend National Park, located in remote West Texas. United States District Judge Kathleen Cardone ordered the pause on construction of vehicle barriers, patrol roads, and associated lighting in the Big Bend Sector, citing environmental and legal concerns.
Legal Challenge Over Environmental Waivers
The ruling follows a legal challenge brought by Friends of the Ruidosa Church et al. against Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. The case questions the federal government’s use of waiver authority to bypass environmental regulations, aiming to expedite the construction of border security infrastructure.
Laiken Jordahl, a national public lands advocate for the Center for Biological Diversity and a plaintiff in the lawsuit, praised the injunction as a significant victory. He emphasized the importance of protecting Big Bend National Park, calling it a ‘crown-jewel’ that should not be compromised for political purposes.
Scope of the Project and Public Concerns
The lawsuit also involves a Big Bend river guide and landowner, highlighting the broader impact of the project on local communities and private landowners. The federal government’s waiver process for constructing border security infrastructure within the Big Bend Region has drawn criticism from various stakeholders.
CBP has clarified that the project would include constructing one new access road, improving existing roads, installing detection technology, and placing vehicle barriers in limited, strategic locations. The work would not involve building a 30-foot border wall within the park, according to CBP.
Political and Community Reactions
Politicians on both sides of the aisle have been closely scrutinizing the project. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and local politicians, along with James Talarico, the Democratic nominee in Texas’s 2026 U.S. Senate race, have opposed the border security enhancements.
Ranchers outside the park have also expressed skepticism, fearing that the project could affect their access to land and impact livestock and hunting. The federal government’s presence on private property has raised additional concerns among landowners.
Judge’s Ruling and Legal Implications
In her ruling, Judge Cardone emphasized the likelihood of the plaintiffs succeeding on at least one claim, the potential for serious and irreparable harm without an injunction, and the balance of equities and public interest in favor of the plaintiffs. The court ordered the federal government to halt all construction and ground-disturbing activities in the Big Bend Sector unless they comply with all applicable laws.
President George W. Bush appointed Judge Cardone as a district judge in the Western District of Texas in 2003. The case is styled ‘Friends of the Ruidosa Church et al. v. Mullin et al. (Case No. 3:26-cv-01099-KC)’ in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas.
Source: Breitbart
