Construction work is moving forward in Big Bend National Park as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to add new security measures along the southern border, despite continued efforts from locals to stop a project they say will change the landscape.
Local Opposition
Videos recorded by local photographers and advocates show the first signs of construction. Southwest Valley Constructors has a $1.7 billion contract to build new roads, vehicle barriers, lights, towers and surveillance platforms.
For Michael Ryan, a former river guide and ranger who lives in Terlingua and grew up around Big Bend National Park, the heavy machinery is a sign of unwanted change. “I know what comes after them. I know that this is just like someone coming in and kind of clearing out the area before the big stuff comes in,” Ryan said.
Big Bend National Park has become the center of a regional debate over the border security project. The Trump administration aims to follow through on its promise to secure every mile of the southern border to prevent illegal immigrants from crossing into the country illegally.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
