Bulldozers in Big Bend national park for border work
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The gist
Bulldozers began clearing land in Big Bend National Park for border barriers. The work threatens a beloved Texas park, sparking bipartisan outcry.
Background
The Trump administration is pushing forward with a $46.5 billion border security expansion, including new patrol roads and vehicle barriers in Big Bend National Park. The plans have drawn sharp backlash from local residents, environmental groups, and politicians from both parties, who argue the work will irreversibly damage the park's pristine wilderness. The administration has waived dozens of environmental laws to speed construction.
How it unfolded
- Jul 4, 2025Trump signed a spending bill including $46.5 billion for border wall expansion.
- Feb 2026CBP signaled plans for a 30-foot steel bollard wall in Big Bend, later walked back after backlash.
- Jun 2026DHS waived dozens of environmental and cultural protection laws to speed construction.
- Aug 7, 2026Activists filmed bulldozers clearing land near Santa Elena Canyon, marking the start of construction.
- Aug 12, 2026CBP initially denied bulldozers were related to construction, then said they were doing survey work.
- Aug 14, 2026CBP commissioner Rodney Scott said work was survey and design, not construction; opponents disagreed.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- CBP says the bulldozers are doing survey and design work, not construction, to preserve the landscape.
- Opponents
- Activists and local leaders say the bulldozers are clearly breaking new ground and devastating the park.
Still unverified
CBP's claim that bulldozers are only doing survey work is disputed by activists who say construction has begun.