Brewster County Sheriff Ronny Dodson says planned border wall construction across parts of the Big Bend region could negatively affect tourism and the local economy, warning the project may alter one of the most remote and scenic landscapes along the Rio Grande.
Dodson said several contractors are preparing to build separate sections of wall across stretches of the border near Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. The project could bring roughly 300 to 500 construction workers into the area and require large temporary camps for crews.
Dodson said he first learned about the scope of the construction effort after a Terlingua real estate agent contacted him to say contractors were searching for large parcels of land — about 40 acres — where they could establish “man camps” to house workers.
He later confirmed the information during several traffic stops involving contractors traveling through Brewster County.
Dodson said the drivers he stopped had passed his ghost-marked Toyota Tundra patrol vehicle on the highway. Because he was already traveling about 14 miles per hour over the speed limit, the vehicles that passed him were moving significantly faster, prompting the stops. Those encounters led to conversations with individuals connected to the project and helped confirm details about the planned construction.
According to Dodson, multiple companies are expected to handle different sections of the project.
The barrier is expected to run across long stretches of the Big Bend region but will not extend through the canyon sections of the Rio Grande. Dodson said he has also been told there are no plans for a floating barrier in the river.
Contractors have described the project as a “smart wall,” which would include service roads running along the barrier and electronic gates to allow access for river recreation such as rafting trips. Building those roads would require significant ground work along the border.
Local officials and property owners are expected to discuss the project during a scheduled call with Gov. Greg Abbott. Dodson said billionaire energy executive Kelsey Warren, whose Lajitas Golf Resort sits along the Rio Grande in southern Brewster County, is among those concerned about the potential impact.
Dodson said his biggest concern is the effect the project could have on tourism, which drives much of Brewster County’s economy and tax base. Tourism activity and property taxes tied to tourism-related businesses help fund county government, including law enforcement.
He predicted visitation might remain stable at first but could decline over time if the landscape changes and travelers begin choosing other national parks instead.
Reaction among Alpine residents has been mixed, Dodson said. Some residents appear largely indifferent, particularly those who do not regularly visit Big Bend National Park. People who spend time in the park or outdoor areas of the region tend to be much more concerned about the potential impact.
Dodson’s family has longstanding ties to the area. His grandfather once owned land that later became part of Big Bend National Park, and Dodson himself owns a ranch near the Black Gap area.
During the conversation, Dodson also discussed changes in migration patterns along the border in recent years. He said Brewster County saw a significant increase in migrant crossings during the Biden administration, including large family groups sometimes numbering around 100 people moving through the region.
However, Dodson said those numbers have dropped sharply in recent months.
Dodson said he has long opposed building a wall in the Big Bend region and believes it is unnecessary.
During the first Trump administration, he said federal officials sought input from local law enforcement and community leaders about border security needs. At the time, Dodson said, local officials made clear they did not believe a wall was needed in the area.
