SAN ANTONIO – Bulldozers and construction equipment have entered Big Bend National Park, and a bipartisan group of Texas House members is urging Gov. Greg Abbott to press the federal government to stop any demolition and border barrier construction in the park.
State Rep. Eddie Morales Jr. said in a Facebook post that his office, along with a bipartisan coalition of Texas House members, wrote to Abbott “once again urging his Administration use any available avenue to request that DHS halt any Big Bend National Park demolition and construction of border barriers.”
In the post, Morales argued the region’s terrain already serves as a natural deterrent. “God has blessed this region with a natural border wall – there is simply no need to spend upwards of $7 billion on shady no-bid contracts on a sector that saw less than ~1% of crossings,” he wrote.
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In a letter addressed to Abbott, the lawmakers said they support border security but object to barriers in the Big Bend region, “particularly in Big Bend National Park.” They wrote that border security policy should be “effective, fiscally responsible, and respectful of the communities and landscapes we are sworn to protect.”
The letter states that damage has already started. “Regrettably, bulldozers and construction equipment have now entered Big Bend National Park, and consequential damage to one of Texas’ most pristine and irreplicable landscapes has already begun,” the lawmakers wrote.
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The lawmakers also said they are concerned the work is moving forward “despite overwhelming bipartisan opposition from local elected leaders and law enforcement,” and noted the Big Bend region does not have representation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The letter describes the Big Bend area as “unlike any other place along the Texas-Mexico border,” citing “mountains, cliffsides, and harsh climate” as a “God-given border barrier.” The lawmakers suggested “utilization of drones, radar, and other technology” to support law enforcement, adding that “physical barriers have long been recognized as unnecessary.”
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The lawmakers urged Abbott to act quickly. “Therefore, we respectfully urge you to swiftly use every available avenue to call upon the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to immediately cease demolition and border barrier construction activities in Big Bend National Park,” the letter states.