The Trump administration confirmed Tuesday that it plans to construct 17 miles of metal vehicle barriers through portions of Big Bend National Park, a move federal officials say is intended to prevent off-road vehicles from reaching the Rio Grande, according to reporting by the San Antonio Express-News.
The proposed barriers would consist of four-foot-tall metal posts connected by a continuous beam, designed to stop vehicle traffic while still allowing wildlife and people on foot to pass through. U.S. Customs and Border Protection described the project as different from traditional border wall infrastructure, which often ranges from 15 to 30 feet tall.
However, critics question the rationale behind the project, noting that off-road driving is already prohibited throughout Big Bend National Park and that much of the terrain near the Rio Grande is steep, rugged and dangerous for vehicles to navigate. In many areas, attempting to drive cross-country to the river would be difficult, highly visible and potentially treacherous due to cliffs, washes, rock outcroppings and remote desert conditions.
Park visitors are generally restricted to established roads, and violations involving unauthorized vehicle travel can result in citations or enforcement action by the National Park Service. Critics argue that existing restrictions, combined with the landscape itself, already serve as a significant deterrent.
The proposal follows earlier controversy surrounding plans for more extensive border infrastructure in the Big Bend region. Environmental groups and local advocates have criticized the latest plan as further militarizing one of the nation’s most scenic and ecologically sensitive landscapes, warning it could impact hiking access, scenic vistas and wildlife movement despite federal assurances that the shorter barriers are intended to minimize disruption.
