The Brewster County Sheriff’s Office is warning against vandalism and property destruction associated with opposition to border wall construction in the Big Bend region, saying reports of such incidents have increased in recent months.
In a Facebook statement Thursday, the sheriff’s office said property owners with no connection to the controversial construction project have been targeted.
“Over the last few months, we’ve received an increase in property destruction and vandalism reports with anti-border wall sentiments,” the department said. “Many times, the property owners targeted in these acts have no connection to the polarizing wall construction debate.”
The department shared photographs of damaged property, including utility equipment and a small building displaying a Buc-ee’s logo that had been spray-painted with anti-border wall messages.
The graffiti included the phrases “Stop the Wall” and “Save the River,” reflecting concerns about the potential environmental consequences of constructing barriers along the Rio Grande.
The sheriff’s office did not specify how many incidents have been reported, where they occurred or whether any suspects have been identified.
The warning comes amid continuing controversy over federal border wall construction in the Big Bend region, where proposed barriers and associated infrastructure have raised concerns about environmental damage, access to public lands and the future of the Rio Grande corridor.
Opponents of the project have expressed concerns about the effects of construction on wildlife habitats, desert landscapes and the river ecosystem. The region includes some of Texas’ most environmentally sensitive and geographically remote borderlands.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that residents have legal avenues to express their opposition without damaging private property.
“We’d like to remind everyone, there are more constructive ways to let your voice be heard…legally,” the department said.
Officials encouraged residents to join organizations, participate in peaceful protests and contact elected representatives.
“If the cause is worth standing up for, it’s worth defending…without breaking the law,” the statement concluded.
The department did not indicate whether the incidents were connected or whether those responsible were affiliated with any organized opposition to border wall construction.
Photo: Anti-border wall graffiti reading “Stop the Wall” and “Save the River” covers a small building displaying a Buc-ee’s logo in Brewster County. The sheriff’s office shared the photograph while warning of increased vandalism reports. Courtesy of the Brewster County Sheriff’s Office.
