A federal judge in Texas has temporarily halted the Trump administration’s construction of border wall infrastructure across the Big Bend region, a remote and rugged area along the southern border. The ruling, issued Friday by Judge Kathleen Cardone, blocks work on sections of the project near Big Bend National Park and adjacent areas, marking a significant legal setback for the administration’s $46 billion border security initiative.
The lawsuit, brought by a coalition including environmental groups, local landowners, businesses, and cultural advocates, challenged the administration’s use of waivers to bypass environmental, cultural, and archaeological protections. The plaintiffs argued that the administration disregarded established regulations in its efforts to expedite construction. Judge Cardone concluded that the plaintiffs are likely to prevail on at least one legal claim and that, without an injunction, they would face serious and irreversible harm. She also found that the balance of equities and public interest favored halting construction.
The legal challenge centers on plans to build a 30-foot steel barrier, vehicle barriers, roads, and surveillance infrastructure in the largely uninhabited and ecologically sensitive Big Bend area, which spans roughly 500 miles. Opponents contend that the region’s difficult terrain already acts as a natural deterrent to unauthorized crossings and that the wall’s construction threatens delicate ecosystems and historic sites, including parts of Big Bend National Park known for its striking landscapes and dark night skies.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which oversees border infrastructure, defended the project, stating confidence in its legal authority to secure the border while preserving the unique environment of the Big Bend region. The agency also noted it was coordinating with the Department of Justice on next steps. The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The construction had already begun in mid-September, including the installation of the first border wall panels in the Big Bend sector. However, after bulldozers were observed clearing land within Big Bend National Park in August, the administration briefly paused work there amid bipartisan backlash. The pause expired recently, but CBP has stated it is reassessing its plans for the park.
Environmental advocates hailed Friday’s ruling as a major victory. Laiken Jordahl of the Center for Biological Diversity, a lead plaintiff, called it “a historic day for Big Bend and for Texas and the Constitution.” The National Parks Conservation Association urged the administration to halt further damage and engage with local border communities to find alternative approaches. President and CEO Tiernan Sittenfeld emphasized that “Big Bend is no place for border barriers” and called for restoration efforts and collaborative solutions.
The injunction also applies to areas beyond the national park, including privately owned lands upriver and downriver where the administration has sought permission from landowners to carry out surveys and construction. CBP indicated it may involve the Justice Department in cases where landowner consent has not been obtained.
The court’s decision adds to growing tensions over border wall projects, which have faced opposition from a range of stakeholders concerned about environmental impacts, property rights, and the effectiveness of physical barriers in remote areas. The administration’s next legal and operational moves remain pending as the fight over the border wall in Big Bend continues.