Trump Administration Asks Supreme Court to Resume Big Bend Border Wall Construction

The Trump administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday to allow construction of border barriers and related infrastructure to resume in the Big Bend region of West Texas. The Justice Department filed an emergency application seeking to lift a preliminary injunction issued October 2 by U.S. District Judge Kathleen Cardone of the Western District of Texas.

Cardone ordered the government to stop building barriers, roads, lighting, or other ground-disturbing activities across the Big Bend Sector “until and unless” it complies with applicable laws. The sector covers more than 500 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border and includes Big Bend National Park. Plaintiffs, including the Center for Biological Diversity and local river guides, challenged Department of Homeland Security waivers of environmental and historical-preservation reviews.

The administration argues the waivers are lawful under statutes that authorize expedited construction in areas of high illegal entry and that Congress appropriated $46 billion for the broader border-wall program. Officials have described plans for a mix of 30-foot bollard walls, vehicle barriers, patrol roads, and surveillance technology. Construction of an initial stretch began last month, according to Customs and Border Protection.

Opponents contend the remote, rugged terrain accounts for a very small share of overall southwest-border crossings and that the projects threaten the landscape and private property. The administration previously paused some work inside the national park after public outcry but has sought to proceed elsewhere in the sector.

The emergency filing places the dispute before the high court while the underlying case continues in district court. The outcome will determine whether the Department of Homeland Security can continue work under the existing waivers or must first complete additional reviews.