A federal judge has issued a temporary injunction against the Trump administration, preventing the expansion of border barriers and related security infrastructure through the Big Bend region of west Texas. The ruling addresses contentious proposals to construct roads and vehicle barriers within the boundaries of the popular national park, which have ignited fierce opposition from advocates and politicians.
US District Judge Kathleen Cardone delivered the decision following a hearing held in El Paso on Friday. The order represents a substantial obstacle to the administration’s strategy of accelerating border wall construction across west Texas, a campaign that has proceeded rapidly despite resistance from a broad coalition including local business owners, landowners, public land advocates, and legislators from both major parties.
I took a hike there last year. It would be devastating to disrupt that landscape for a barrier. Glad the court agreed.
Temporary injunction or not, this is a major legal setback for the administration’s rapid construction strategy. Interesting precedent.
Both parties opposing this? That says a lot. Seems like even politicians know building a wall in a national park is a bad look.
This is great news for the environment, but what about actual border security? Hope this doesn’t slow down real barriers elsewhere.
Finally, a judge stood up for our national parks. We can’t pave over Big Bend for politics.