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Marfa, Texas (AP) — Property owners, ranchers, and business operators in the remote Big Bend region of Texas, along with a conservation group, have filed a lawsuit to halt the Trump administration's proposed construction of a wall and border infrastructure within the area. The lawsuit, spearheaded by Conserve Big Bend, aims to prevent the implementation of the $46 billion plan that includes 30-foot steel bollard walls, vehicle barriers, and advanced technology designed to deter smugglers and migrants.

In Texas, the construction effort has faced numerous lawsuits and bipartisan opposition from law enforcement officers, elected officials, tour guides, environmental organizations, and landowners who cherish the region.

David Keller, an archaeologist and historian based in the Big Bend, explained that the area holds significant cultural and historical value for the locals, describing it as "our home." The administration has disregarded various environmental, archaeological, and wildlife protection regulations to expedite the wall-building process, citing the urgent need to secure the border in what Homeland Security has designated as areas of "high illegal entry."

However, the plaintiffs contend that the Big Bend region is not a high-risk area for illegal crossings, as evidenced by recent statistics from Customs and Border Protection. The region, which spans around 500 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border, accounted for only 1% of arrests.

In their lawsuit, the plaintiffs argue that the Department of Homeland Security is improperly utilizing powers granted by Congress to waive regulations for constructing border walls or other infrastructure in regions with a high volume of illegal border crossings. The lawsuit asserts that the Department's determination is both legally and factually flawed.

The case against the administration's plans in the Big Bend region is part of a broader pushback against the Trump administration's border wall initiatives. The most intense criticism has focused on the construction plans for Big Bend National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the far southwestern corner of Texas. The park's unique landscape, comprising steep limestone canyons and pristine night skies, draws visitors from across the globe.

The government has not finalized the specific designs for the park's infrastructure, but reports suggest that it may involve a new road, installation of surveillance technology, and barriers to prevent unauthorized vehicle crossings. The prospect of construction activities prompted widespread outrage when bulldozers began clearing land in the park in August.

Lawmakers, activists, and local residents are advocating for further modifications to the administration's plans for the broader Big Bend region. Native American groups have raised concerns that construction may disrupt their religious practices and damage sacred sites, while environmental advocates warn that the wall could lead to flooding or impede wildlife migration.

The landowners who have historically relied on the Rio Grande for their agricultural operations remain uncertain about how the construction will affect their ability to access water for their livestock and crops.