1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am glad CBP paused construction inside Big Bend National Park, but a temporary pause is not enough. Texas officials should demand that the federal government permanently cancel these destructive plans—not merely rename, revise or move them. We need border security, but there are noninvasive ways to provide it: more Border Patrol agents trained for backcountry conditions, drones, sensors and other targeted technology. Big Bend does not need barriers, unnecessary patrol roads, mountain blasting or high-intensity lighting. Those measures would fragment habitat, damage fragile desert soil and cultural resources, disrupt wildlife, destroy internationally significant dark skies and harm Texas tourism. The proposed road across Mariscal Mountain is especially irrational. It would connect the Talley and Solis river-access roads across terrain that currently functions as a natural barrier and is traversable mainly by experienced backcountry hikers. Bulldozing a road across it could make the area easier—not harder—for migrants to traverse. Federal officials have forfeited public trust. Plans and maps repeatedly changed, officials minimized what was planned, and bulldozers began clearing protected land. We can see the maps, equipment and damage. Another promise to “evaluate” the project is not sufficient. Texas must also protect the hundreds of Texas landowners facing federal access demands, land acquisition or eminent domain for unnecessary walls. Families should not lose land held for generations, access to the Rio Grande, ranches or tourism businesses for political theater. You were elected to protect Texas and Texans. Please use every legislative, legal and political tool available to demand permanent cancellation of barriers and unnecessary roads throughout the Big Bend region; protect state lands and private property; require restoration of damaged areas; and redirect security resources toward effective, minimally invasive measures. Texas officials should stand with Texas landowners, communities and businesses—not federal contractors or a predetermined wall-building agenda.