Big Bend border project paused by Trump administration

US President Donald Trump's administration paused construction on a $1.7 billion border project at Big Bend National Park in Texas after bipartisan opposition to work on the protected public lands.

Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott said in a video posted on X that he had paused all construction activity in the park until he visits and conducts a personal evaluation. He said he would speak with local stakeholders and that more news would follow this week.

The Department of Homeland Security plans to build vehicle barriers, patrol roads, lighting and detection technology across the park, which includes desert, river and mountain ecosystems and is home to Santa Elena Canyon. Bulldozers broke ground earlier this month.

The administration had waived dozens of environmental laws to approve the project, part of Trump's broader border wall push.

Opposition has included all 14 Texas border county judges, who signed an open letter saying they supported border security but wanted more practical solutions. Five West Texas sheriffs also wrote to federal officials saying advanced surveillance technology would be better suited to stopping undocumented migration in the rugged terrain.

The Center for Biological Diversity has sued the government to block the project, alleging that the waivers violated the Constitution.