The US-Mexico border wall is a border infrastructure project being developed along sections of the southern United States border. The project is intended to add new barrier infrastructure across parts of Arizona, New Mexico, California, and Texas.
The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced plans to construct more than 150 miles of approximately 30-foot-high border wall across Arizona, New Mexico, and California. Construction was also continuing at multiple sites in the affected states, including Texas.
The construction programme continued as the United States responded to the COVID-19 pandemic and implemented measures aimed at limiting the spread of the virus. According to CBP, construction activities at the border had not been affected by the public health situation.
At the time, the United States had recorded thousands of confirmed COVID-19 cases and hundreds of deaths, while businesses and government authorities implemented restrictions and other measures in response to the outbreak. Despite the wider disruptions, construction crews continued working at several border wall sites.
Also Read: SWVC awarded US $524m for border wall construction in Arizona
Outlook on the US-Mexico Border Wall
Recently, the Trump administration has paused construction of the Big Bend border project in Texas national park as fierce bipartisan opposition completely stalls the project. The government officially halted the massive $1.7 billion project. Big Bend National Park features rich biodiversity and spectacular views. The Department of Homeland Security planned extensive border infrastructure here. Consequently, bulldozers broke ground earlier this month on public lands. Now, Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott paused activities. He announced a personal evaluation of the rugged Texas site. Ultimately, the federal government will consult closely with local stakeholders. The US-Mexico Border wall has been a contentious topic that has often taken center stage since Trump got into office in his first term.
Construction of the border wall
Building work continues in many parts of the United States, but for the US-Mexico border wall, skilled welders, engineers and contractors travel from states far north from the border. Along the border, they work together, car-pool, stay at local hotels and motels, and eat together at restaurants over several consecutive days, before travelling back to their families which is a clear health hazard to their health and that of their families.
Trump pledged to build a “big, beautiful wall” along the 2,000-mile southern border (and make Mexico pay for it) as part of a presidential campaign in 2016 permeated by anti-immigration sentiments.
Project Overview
- Project: US-Mexico Border Wall
- Location: Southern U.S. border
- Developer: U.S. government / CBP
- Status: Construction underway
Scope
- Border barrier infrastructure
- Arizona, New Mexico and California
- Construction also continuing in Texas
- Approximately 150+ miles planned
Project Highlights
- Approximately 30-foot-high barriers
- Skilled workers and contractors involved
- Construction continued during COVID-19
- Part of wider border infrastructure programme
Key Developments
- CBP announced plans for 150+ miles of new wall
- Work continued at multiple border sites
- Construction crews travelled from across the U.S.
- Health concerns were raised over worker travel
Outlook
- Construction programme continued despite pandemic disruption
- Multiple border sections remained under development
- Project formed part of the Trump administration’s border security
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