The prospect of a border wall cutting through Big Bend National Park remains contentious, despite President Donald Trump’s reelection, which was largely supported by voters in Texas’ border counties. Trump’s push for a coast-to-coast barrier aimed at enhancing border security includes plans that would impact the pristine and rugged landscapes of Big Bend, a region where local opposition remains strong.
In February 2017, well before Trump’s latest electoral success, Brewster County, which encompasses Big Bend National Park, passed a resolution declaring the border wall unnecessary. This local legislative action reflects a broad consensus among area residents and officials that the natural terrain—featuring harsh, remote, and rugged landscapes—already serves as a formidable barrier to illegal crossings.
Charlie Angell, a river outfitter in the Big Bend area, emphasized the superfluous nature of a wall in such challenging terrain. Angell told NPR, “I would like to invite President Trump or any of his cabinet to come down here. I’ll give ’em a free trip on the river, and they can see how unnecessary a wall would be here and the construction and everything involved to create it would just be the worst thing you could ever do.”
The environmental impact of a potential wall also remains a significant concern among local wildlife experts. Raymond Skiles, a longtime wildlife biologist at Big Bend National Park, told NPR about the essential need for animals to have access to the Rio Grande as their primary water source. The construction of a wall could disrupt these natural patterns and threaten the survival of several species.
Despite this local opposition and the potential ecological risks, the Trump administration has continued to advance its border security agenda, which includes fortifying the southern border with physical barriers where deemed necessary. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly has acknowledged that the wall might not extend the full length of the border, hinting at the possibility of exceptions in particularly challenging areas like Big Bend.
As discussions continue, the voices from Big Bend resonate with a plea for consideration of the unique environmental and practical challenges the area presents. The 2017 resolution by Brewster County stands as a testament to the region’s strong stance against the proposed border infrastructure, highlighting a clash between national policy and local values.
Image Source: https://www.cbp.gov/frontline/walls-work
