1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to oppose the planned border wall construction through Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. On February 13, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security waived 28 laws, including the Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, to expedite construction across more than 150 miles of West Texas. This decision threatens one of America's most treasured landscapes and ignores the voices of local communities who overwhelmingly oppose this project. The economic impact alone should give pause. Big Bend National Park draws more than 500,000 visitors annually and contributed $56.8 million to the local economy in 2024. A border wall cutting through Santa Elena Canyon, Mariscal Canyon, Hot Springs, and the Rio Grande Village campground would fundamentally alter the park experience that drives this tourism revenue. Big Bend Ranch State Park's 300,000 acres of rugged desert would similarly be compromised by barrier construction from its western edge through Colorado Canyon. Local Republican officials have been clear in their opposition. Brewster County Judge Greg Henington stated he sees no reason for a border wall in his county, while Hudspeth County Judge Joanna MacKenzie called it "a Band aid to make people feel better who don't live here and don't see it." These are not partisan objections but practical assessments from people who understand their communities. Historically, unauthorized crossings in the Big Bend region are much lower than in urban areas, and crossings have dropped dramatically in the past two years. The cultural destruction would be irreversible. Archaeologist David Keller warned that construction would destroy thousands of years of Native American history around La Junta de los Rios. Charlie Angell, a Redford resident who has operated river expeditions for over a decade, has never witnessed illegal entry on his Rio Grande property and refuses to sell land that includes the El Polvo archaeological site. I urge you to oppose funding for this project and support legislation that would halt construction in Big Bend. The $46.5 billion appropriated through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act should not be used to destroy irreplaceable natural and cultural resources when local leaders confirm there are better alternatives for border security.