A Terlingua restaurant is refusing service to contractors and consultants involved in a federal border security project in the Big Bend region, saying the work threatens Big Bend National Park and the tourism economy surrounding it.
Venga Cafe owner Jeff Leach told NewsWest 9 that anyone directly employed by, subcontracting for or consulting on the border project is being asked to “eat somewhere else.” (NewsWest 9)
The restaurant has displayed a sign since early spring telling people involved in the project they are not welcome because they are “literally destroying one of the wildest and most amazing landscapes in America.”
The protest comes amid growing scrutiny of planned border infrastructure in Big Bend National Park. U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott this week confirmed that construction activity in the park had been temporarily paused while the agency evaluates the project.
Leach questioned the scale of the federal investment compared with the relatively small number of migrant apprehensions recorded inside the national park.
“In 2025, there were fewer than 200 apprehensions in the national park,” Leach told NewsWest 9. “That’s a busy morning at Venga Cafe. So, we’re gonna spend billions of dollars to get the number to 100?” (NewsWest 9)
Leach said he is not concerned about losing revenue by turning away contractors. Instead, he believes the proposed infrastructure could have a much larger negative economic effect if damage to the landscape discourages tourists from visiting the region.
Tourism is a major part of the economy in Terlingua and surrounding Big Bend communities, with visitors traveling to the remote region specifically for its national and state parks, desert landscapes and relatively undeveloped wilderness.
Leach also emphasized that his opposition to the project should not be interpreted as opposition to Border Patrol or immigration enforcement.
“We do support humane and lawful immigration laws. We support the activities of Border Patrol,” Leach told NewsWest 9. “That’s not the issue here. Just not at the expense of the park.” (NewsWest 9)
The restaurant’s stance has attracted attention beyond Terlingua. NewsWest 9 reported that visitors have driven hours to the area to see the construction activity and express support for opposition to the project.
Michael Ann Robinson, a college student from Lubbock interviewed by the station, said seeing the local response was “really heartwarming.”
“It shows me how proud people are of where they live,” Robinson said. (NewsWest 9)
Scott traveled to the Big Bend region this week to meet with local officials and personally evaluate the project. He also flew over Big Bend National Park on Wednesday, according to NewsWest 9.
For Leach, the temporary pause is welcome, but it has not ended his concerns about what ultimately could be built in the park.
For now, the restaurant’s message to those working on the project remains in place.
This story is based on original reporting by NewsWest 9. Read the original NewsWest 9 report
