Indigenous Groups Sue to Block Big Bend Border Wall

The People of La Junta for Preservation and Far Flung Outdoor Center filed a lawsuit in San Antonio federal court on Friday to block border wall construction in Big Bend National Park. The plaintiffs argue the project violates U.S. law and threatens religious freedoms by risking damage to indigenous archaeological sites. The legal action follows a June 9 order by Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin that waived various requirements to allow construction along 62 miles of the Mexico border.

The project, funded by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, costs over $7 billion and includes 17 miles of vehicle barriers inside the park and 200 miles of wall mostly outside the park. The Department of Homeland Security waived contractor compliance with the Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental Policy Act to expedite the work. Critics, including former park superintendent Bob Krumenaker, argue the construction is unnecessary, noting that Customs and Border Protection statistics show only about 1% of nationwide illegal border crossings occur in the region.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott denied that a 30-foot wall or stadium lighting is being built through the park, characterizing current activity as survey and design work. However, a July public map indicated that two miles of 30-foot wall segments are planned for Big Bend Ranch State Park. The project has faced bipartisan opposition from U.S. Senator John Cornyn and a coalition of 46 state House representatives.