As the Trump administration moves forward with its $46.5 billion effort to expand the border wall between the U.S. and Mexico, contractors have begun bulldozing parts of Big Bend National Park in Texas.
Since the plan to build portions of the wall within the park was announced, residents and organizations have raised concerns about protecting dark skies, native wildlife and the surrounding natural ecosystem.
Despite concerns, however, bulldozers arrived on the scene last week.
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Border wall in Big Bend
The Washington Post reported heavy machinery arrived in the park last week and began clearing a path for a future patrol road that will run the length of the park.
Photos from The Post show equipment leaving large tire treads along the terrain, while native animals wander past.
This expansion initiative includes the deployment of new surveillance technology like cameras and sensors in the park, along with the patrol road and 17 miles of vehicle barriers, standing at 4-6 feet high.
The plan, however, does not call for a 30-foot wall, like the ones being erected along other parts of the border.
Concern for wildlife, the ecosystem
Those animals and the fact that Big Bend is their native habitat have sparked concern within the Texas Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA).
In March, the group issued a statement saying it has “significant concerns” about the border wall, and “the subsequent impacts to our North American heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting.”
BHA says the proposed wall would block native wildlife from accessing the Rio Grande and block critical pathways for black bears, mountain lions, bighorn sheep and more.
“It would block popular hiking trails, and it would permanently scar the beautiful Santa Elena and Boquillas Canyons,” BHA added. “It would close off access to nearly 200 miles of the Rio Grande for American paddlers, river guides, anglers, land stewards, and sightseers — from Big Bend National Park to Amistad National Wildlife Refuge.”
Dark sky concerns
Residents in portions of West Texas have also raised concerns over what the new surveillance could do to their dark skies.
The Big Bend region of Texas is full of dark sky defenders, residents who regularly fight against threats like bright store signs and headlights. They say part of their concerns stem from tourism — people visit Big Bend to look at the stars, and if light pollution comes in, it may no longer be worth the trip.
And it’s not just the residents. In 2012, Big Bend National Park was certified as the region’s first dark sky site, and remains the largest, offering the least light pollution of any national park in the lower 48 states.
With the certification come strict outdoor lighting rules, lighting management plans and regional ordinances that protect the dark sky for science and wildlife.
How many border crossings happen in Big Bend?
The Trump administration is expanding its border wall into Big Bend after the area saw a significant drop in crossings in 2025.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, there were 3,096 apprehensions in 2025, down from more than 11,000 in 2023.
The sector covers about 26% of the U.S.-Mexico border length, but accounts for just 1.3% of undocumented crossings, according to The Texan.
Other border wall implications across the US
The Big Bend portion of the border wall isn’t the only section receiving criticism. Earlier this year, construction damaged part of a Native American site in Arizona.
And back in June, the Tohono O’odham Nation filed a lawsuit and is seeking an injunction against the department in hopes of halting the project, part of President Donald Trump’s long-promised barricade along the southern border.
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