Border wall construction is advancing rapidly across Arizona and Texas as the federal government accelerates efforts to secure the U.S.-Mexico border. Recent actions, including a $300 million allocation to Fisher Sand & Gravel Co. for building 27 miles of wall in the Tucson Sector, reflect a renewed focus on reinforcing border infrastructure. This follows a dramatic decline in illegal crossings, with migrant encounters plummeting to nearly 9,000 in April 2023, a 93% decrease from the same period last year.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem has taken steps to expedite construction by granting environmental waivers, which have helped bypass administrative delays. A fifth waiver was recently signed for 17 miles of wall in Texas’s Rio Grande Valley Sector, while additional funding was approved for 36 miles of wall development in Arizona and New Mexico, including in the Tucson, El Paso, and Yuma Sectors.
Officials, including Yuma County Supervisor Jonathan Lines, have praised the administration’s focus on border security, emphasizing the need to maintain high levels of enforcement to prevent further illegal crossings. Despite these efforts, critics have raised concerns about the environmental impact of the wall, with advocacy groups like the Sierra Club and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) previously challenging the construction on grounds related to wildlife and habitat disruption.
Meanwhile, the southern border has remained relatively quiet since President Donald Trump took office in January. In May, no individuals who crossed illegally were released into the U.S. interior, compared with 62,000 last year, according to CBP. Migrant encounters have also taken a significant tumble, with just under 9,000 encounters last month compared with nearly 118,000 last year.
“Under the leadership of this administration, CBP has received historic support resulting in another 93% decrease in illegal crossings along the southwest border this month when compared with last year,” Pete Flores, Acting Commissioner of CBP, said in a statement. “Border numbers continue to trend at historic lows, reinforcing the sustained success of our enforcement efforts in securing the homeland and protecting American communities.”
Supporters of the border wall strategy argue that the construction and increased security measures have been critical in reducing illegal crossings and maintaining national security. However, opponents have long criticized the project for its environmental impact, citing potential harm to wildlife and natural habitats. Recent lawsuits by advocacy groups have highlighted these concerns, urging the federal government to reconsider the long-term consequences of such large-scale infrastructure projects.
The Trump administration has also focused on modernizing border security through advanced technology, including the recent deal for a high-tech checkpoint in a crucial California sector. These combined efforts reflect a broader strategy to strengthen border control, though the long-term effectiveness of these measures remains a topic of debate among policymakers and experts.