Skip to main content

2.0

DHS waives statutory requirements to expedite border-wall and river projects in Rio Grande Valley Sector, Texas

  1. Original Date Announced

    July 2, 2025

    Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem issued a notice of determination that "it is necessary to waive certain laws, regulations, and other legal requirements to ensure the expeditious construction of barriers and roads in the vicinity of the international border in the state of Texas." Referencing apprehensions of "illegal entrants" into the U.S. and narcotics seizures in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Sector, Noem determined that the area is an "area of high illegal entry." She waived certain statutory provisions on environmental protection and preservation of historical sites, as well as the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), among others, to allow for construction of physical barriers and roads in additional RGV Sector areas.

    Trump 2.0 [ID #1835]

    2025.07.03 DHS - Determination Pursuant to Section 102 of IIRIRA
  2. Effective Date

    July 3, 2025
  3. Subsequent Trump and Court Action

    July 3, 2025

    2025.07.03 CBP - DHS issues waiver to ensure rapid construction of waterborne barriers in Texas

    Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a press release detailing DHS Secretary Noem's signing of a waiver for expeditious construction of approximately 17 miles of waterborne barrier in Texas.

    View Document
  4. Subsequent Trump and Court Action

    October 20, 2025

    2025.10.25 Coast Guard - Coast Guard launches Operation River Wall to control the border along the Rio Grande

    The Coast Guard announced deployment of additional forces to the Rio Grande River in eastern Texas, beginning October 9, 2025, to strengthen border control. The initiative, called Operation River Wall, aims to "bolster" the Coast Guard’s efforts to secure and defend roughly 260 river miles forming the U.S.-Mexico border. The Coast Guard described the initiative as an "unprecedented commitment of Coast Guard personnel and resources to the Rio Grande region."

    View Document

Current Status

None

Original Trump Policy Status

Status: Final/Actual
Trump Administration Actions: Agency Directive Rule
Subject Matter: Border
Agencies Affected: DHS CBP

To provide information, corrections, or feedback, please email IPTP.feedback@gmail.com

To provide information, corrections, or feedback, please email IPTP.feedback@gmail.com