A Federal Judge Slams the Brakes on Big Bend Border Wall Construction
This story was originally published by Inside Climate News and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration. Federal Judge Kathleen Cardone granted a preliminary injunction Friday to halt construction on the border wall in Texas’ expansive Big Bend sector, including the national and state parks. Cardone read a brief order from the bench after hearing more than […]
Federal Judge Kathleen Cardone has intervened to halt the construction of a border wall in Texas' Big Bend sector, including national and state parks. The judge accepted a preliminary injunction on Friday following a hearing where plaintiffs presented testimony from conservation groups and local residents. The region, renowned for its dark night skies, diverse wildlife, and rugged landscapes, spans over 500 miles in West Texas.
Cardone stated that the plaintiffs are likely to prevail on at least one claim and face irreparable harm if the construction proceeds. The ruling suspends border barrier construction in the entire Big Bend sector until the government adheres to all applicable laws. Cardone emphasized that the plaintiffs are likely to succeed in their claims and suffer irreparable harm if construction continues.
The Big Bend sector, known for being a "distant last place" in unauthorized border crossings, has been the focus of the lawsuit. The plaintiffs argue that the waiver of numerous laws by the federal government to expedite the border wall construction is unlawful. The injunction will remain in place while the court reviews the lawsuit, which was filed in April.
The plaintiffs and their supporters celebrated outside the federal courtroom in El Paso, some having traveled hundreds of miles from their communities to attend the ruling. The Center for Biological Diversity, Friends of the Ruidosa Church, and Danny Miller Jr., a river guide, filed the lawsuit against the US Department of Homeland Security and Secretary Markwayne Mullin.
The Department of Homeland Security and its Secretary remain confident in their legal authority to secure the border while preserving the unique landscape of Big Bend. Customs and Border Protection has modified its construction plans multiple times since February and now intends to build vehicle barriers, access roads, and a 30-foot steel wall within the state and national parks.
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