‘It’s massive destruction’: outcry in Texas over waivers to allow border wall in Big Bend national park

The Trump administration has waived environmental and historical preservation laws to expedite the construction of a border wall through Big Bend National Park in south Texas. This action bypasses legal protections for the vast, protected wilderness, despite a reported decrease in border crossings. Congress allocated $46.5 billion for border wall construction in the "Big, Beautiful" bill last year, fueling Donald Trump's objective to secure the southern border. The Big Bend sector in west Texas, spanning approximately 500 miles (800km), represents one of the longest unwalled sections along the U.S.-Mexico border. The waivers permit the construction of a significant border barrier within this ecologically sensitive and historically rich area, drawing criticism for its potential impact on the natural landscape and heritage.