In a Texas‑focused interview, Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott defended the Trump administration’s ongoing effort to complete a $46 billion border wall in the Big Bend region. Scott emphasized that fortifying the nation’s borders is “non‑negotiable” and that the agency is building roughly 12 miles of wall each week.
Federal commitment, local impact
Scott, a former Border Patrol agent appointed by President Trump, said the wall – a mix of 30‑foot‑tall steel barriers, vehicle obstacles, new roads and advanced surveillance – is essential to stop illegal immigration and smuggling. He noted that the primary wall sections will be finished by December 2027, with the entire project slated for completion before the end of the President’s second term.
“Our number one goal right out the gate is we have to know who and what is coming into the United States,” Scott told the Associated Press. “If the Big Bend region were left without a wall while other areas are fortified, I am 100 % convinced it will be completely overrun and destroyed.”
Court setback and administration response
Earlier this month, a federal judge ordered a pause on construction in Big Bend National Park, citing potential irreversible harm to the park’s environment. The Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to lift the injunction, arguing that the pause threatens national security.
Scott explained that the agency temporarily halted work in the park after bulldozers were spotted in August, and he is now engaging directly with local landowners, businesses and community leaders to address concerns. “We’re talking through and figuring out what is the right solution for that area,” he said, stressing that no tall steel walls will be erected within the park.
Local opposition and broader benefits
Opponents—including a bipartisan coalition of landowners, local businesses and environmental groups—call the project a waste of taxpayer money and a threat to the region’s natural beauty. Scott countered that the Big Bend’s natural barriers alone are insufficient to stop illegal crossings, and that cartels would exploit any gaps to smuggle contraband.
He also highlighted recent Department of Homeland Security measures, such as temporary flight restrictions targeting unauthorized drone activity within a mile of the U.S.–Mexico border, to further protect communities from cartel threats.
CBP’s evolving role
CBP, which employs about 67,000 personnel, continues to focus on securing official ports of entry while supporting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in broader enforcement. Scott noted that ICE has expanded its own staffing, reducing CBP’s direct involvement in city‑based operations.
Recent high‑profile incidents, such as the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti during a protest in Minneapolis, prompted the administration to scale back city‑wide CBP deployments. While the investigation into that shooting remains with the FBI, Scott declined to comment further.
Looking ahead
Scott remains confident that the wall will be completed on schedule, citing daily progress updates and the agency’s ahead‑of‑schedule status. He reiterated that protecting the nation’s borders is a core mission that will not be compromised, even as the administration works to address legitimate local concerns.
“We want to make sure that threat does not come into the United States,” Scott said, underscoring the administration’s commitment to both national security and responsible stewardship of public lands.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
