Local Politics · Brewster County
CBP Chief Defends Big Bend Border Wall Despite Court-Ordered Pause
Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott defended a $46 billion border wall project in Texas' Big Bend region during an AP interview Thursday, calling border fortification "non-negotiable." A federal judge earlier this month ordered a pause on construction in the region, including Big Bend National Park, citing potential irreparable harm to plaintiffs. The ruling prompted bipartisan opposition from landowners, local businesses, and some Republican lawmakers who view the project as destructive to an area with historically low migrant crossings. Scott said the primary border wall will be complete by end of December 2027 and that the agency is exploring alternatives for the national park area.