1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to oppose all further border wall construction, related infrastructure, and industrial development throughout the entire Big Bend region of Texas, including Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park, surrounding public lands, private ranchlands, and the corridor toward Presidio. This is not just about a wall. What is happening in West Texas is the industrialization and destruction of one of the most ecologically unique regions not only in the United States, but in the world. It is a globally significant desert ecosystem that Texans, in particular, have a responsibility to steward carefully. Reports indicate continued bulldozing, road expansion, and large “man camp” developments near Lobo, despite claims that wall construction has stopped. These projects consume scarce water resources, fragment habitat, damage fragile desert ecosystems, and permanently alter landscapes that may never recover. This region does not need more walls, paved roads, industrial camps, floodlighting, or construction corridors. The environmental damage being done is likely irreversible. These projects also represent an enormous expenditure of taxpayer money that primarily benefits large contractors while doing little to address the actual problems within our immigration system. I believe it is possible to protect the security and interests of the United States while also treating immigrants with humanity and decency. These goals can and should coexist. Congress should focus on sane, streamlined, lawful, and humane immigration reform, along with meaningful oversight and accountability within border enforcement agencies — not the destruction of irreplaceable Texas landscapes. I urge you to oppose further wall construction, road expansion, and industrial border infrastructure throughout the Big Bend region and West Texas.