Federal Court Blocks Border Barrier Construction at Big Bend National Park

EL PASO, Texas – Today, a federal judge in El Paso issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration from building damaging heavy border infrastructure, including border barriers and patrol roads, in the Big Bend region – including Big Bend National Park.

This injunction will safeguard Big Bend National Park as the court considers arguments from plaintiffs, including the Center for Biological Diversity. In late August, the National Parks Conservation Association joined Sierra Club along with its Lone Star Chapter in filing an amicus brief supporting the Center for Biological Diversity’s lawsuit. NPCA and the Sierra Club are represented by Earthjustice.

In August, federal contractors authorized by Customs and Border Protection began bulldozing miles of sensitive habitat, causing heartbreaking damage near popular areas of Big Bend National Park, including Santa Elena Canyon, Cottonwood Campground, and Mariscal Canyon.

The administration has waived bedrock environmental laws designed to protect national parks that would require extensive review for these types of projects. 

Following widespread public outcry over the damage, Customs and Border Protection issued a temporary pause on border construction activities in Big Bend National Park in late August. In a September legal filing, the administration expressed their intent to lift the pause and begin construction again – indicating that the fight is far from over.

Statement of Tiernan Sittenfeld, National Parks Conservation Association President and CEO:

“Today’s court ruling halting the destruction is a victory for Big Bend and for all of America’s national parks. While national park advocates are grateful for this halt to border construction in Big Bend, the devastating toll it has already taken on this national park must be studied and remediated. The administration must repair the damage it has done to the beautiful, fragile desert ecosystems that make Big Bend National Park one of America’s most iconic places.”

“From the very beginning, national park advocates and border communities have been clear that bulldozing Big Bend is not a viable border security solution. Congress designated Big Bend National Park to protect our country’s natural wonders, and people come from all over the world to experience its star-filled skies and striking mountain ranges.

“The administration’s border plan at Big Bend has faced strong bipartisan opposition from local landowners, experienced local borderland sheriffs, and conservationists alike. Big Bend is no place for border barriers. It’s time for the administration to come to the table with the border communities that know Big Bend best, repair the damage from this ill-conceived project, and find new solutions.”

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About the National Parks Conservation Association: Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than 1.9 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.