Original Date Announced

DHS Secretary Noem issued a notice of determination under Section 102 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA) waiving environmental and other laws to expedite construction of "additional barriers and roads" along the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas' Big Bend Sector.

Trump 2.0 [ID #2238]

Subsequent Trump and Court Action

2026.04.16 Complaint - Friends of the Ruidosa Church v. Mullin

The Friends of the Ruidosa Church, Center for Biological Diversity, and a Big Bend resident filed suit against the administration, claiming DHS unconstitutionally waived environmental laws to fast-track border-wall construction in the Big Bend region of Texas. Plaintiffs argue DHS violated the Major Questions Doctrine, Nondelegation Doctrine, Take Care Clause, and the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment. Plaintiffs seek declaratory and injunctive relief to nullify the waiver and enjoin DHS from implementing the Big Bend border-wall project. Friends of the Ruidosa Church v. Mullin, No. 3:26-cv-01099 (W.D. Tex.).

**Link to case here. Our litigation entries generally report only the initial complaint and any major substantive filings or decisions. For additional information, CourtListener provides access to PACER and all available pleadings. Other sites that track litigation in more detail or organize cases by topic include Civil Rights Clearinghouse, Justice Action Center, National Immigration Litigation Alliance, and Just Security**

Subsequent Trump and Court Action

2026.05.08 Reported: Big Bend border wall plans canceled for national park after backlash, [CBP] commissioner says - The Texas Tribune

The Texas Tribune reports that CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott stated that the administration is no longer planning on constructing border wall through Big Bend National Park. Instead of constructing a physical wall, federal officials plan to rely on existing natural barriers, improved roads, and drones and other digital surveillance to secure the area. The decision follows weeks of criticism from Texas residents and lawmakers.

Subsequent Trump and Court Action

2026.05.19 Reported: New $1.7 billion contract in Big Bend National Park won’t be used for border wall, CBP says - Marfa Public Radio

Marfa Public Radio reports that CBP awarded a $1.7 billion contract to Albuquerque-based Southwest Valley Constructors to build border barriers in the Big Bend region. A CBP official said the contract will not be used for a steel wall inside Big Bend National Park but toward installing about 17 miles of a “vehicle barrier system,” a combination of barriers, patrol roads, and technology. As well as about 205 miles of “system attributes” that will “include a mix of patrol roads and/or technology, depending upon the location.”