Cornered by Big Bend backlash, Texas Republicans tread carefully around Trump

Texas Officials Comment on Border Infrastructure Plans in Big Bend Area

Construction of access roads and vehicle barriers has begun in sections of Big Bend National Park and on adjacent private land under plans from the Trump administration. The project includes 30-foot vehicle barriers on private property outside the park. U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced a temporary pause in construction this week to allow meetings with local officials.

The Big Bend Border Patrol sector covers 517 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border across 77 Texas counties. It recorded 1.3 percent of the 237,538 total apprehensions along the southwest border in the most recent fiscal year. Local residents and some elected officials have stated that physical barriers are not required in the sector due to its terrain and low recorded crossings.

In February 2026, the Department of Homeland Security waived 28 federal environmental, land-use, and other statutes to expedite the project, citing enforcement requirements. The waivers applied to portions of the work in and near the park.

Republican state leaders have issued statements on the project. Attorney General Ken Paxton said the plan “is not smart border security” and called for enforcement measures that respect the character of the area. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz stated he welcomed the pause to allow input from landowners and law enforcement, noting that border security tools differ by terrain. U.S. Rep. August Pfluger wrote that security and conservation goals can be addressed together and urged consultation with local communities.

Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham sent a cease-and-desist letter regarding clearing on state-owned land in Presidio County and stated that identified construction on those tracts has ended. Her office is reviewing titles and conducting remediation where needed. Comptroller Don Huffines described a permanent wall through the park as a poor idea while noting reductions in recorded crossings.

Gov. Greg Abbott said he spoke with Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who committed that no wall or fence would be built inside Big Bend National Park. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, and House Speaker Dustin Burrows have not issued public statements on the matter.

Democratic members of Congress from Texas held a news conference in April opposing the plans and signed letters to the secretary in March and July. U.S. Reps. Henry Cuellar and Veronica Escobar offered an amendment to the homeland security appropriations bill to restrict park construction; the amendment did not pass. State Sen. César Blanco met with CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott and reported that Scott indicated a decision on the pause would be made in coming weeks. Local officials at the meeting suggested expanded use of surveillance technology.

Former Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson said the sector does not present the same enforcement conditions as urban areas and questioned the scale of the project. State Rep. Wes Virdell stated that Republican support for local concerns would affect voter sentiment in upcoming elections. Democratic state Rep. James Talarico has criticized the plans in his Senate campaign against Paxton.

GOP candidate Robert Garza for House District 74 said he supports border security but opposes a wall through Big Bend, citing the existing terrain as a natural barrier and favoring technology and personnel. Construction on private land remains under discussion, with some residents reporting notification through government postings or eminent-domain correspondence.

CBP has stated there are no plans for barriers inside the park itself. The pause covers current ground work while federal officials continue consultations. Local elected officials have recommended infrared and other surveillance options in place of additional roads or fixed barriers.