American national park in Texas; largest protected area of Chihuahuan Desert ecology in the U.S.
Authorities have issued a regulatory waiver expanding border-security infrastructure across 100-plus miles of the U.S.-Mexico border, including Big Bend. CBP plans a mix of barriers, roads and surveillance technology near Big Bend National Park, while lawmakers and environmental groups raise concerns about land access, ecosystems and public lands.
The National Weather Service has issued alerts as a large, deadly flood wave is barreling down the Guadalupe River in Texas, threatening Kerrville, Uvalde and other Hill Country communities. Rescue teams have already carried out dozens of high-water rescues; governors have declared disasters across dozens of counties as rainfall continues.
Protests across the Big Bend region intensify as officials waive environmental laws to expedite a border-wall project tied to a $46.5 billion federal package. Local residents, activists, and officials say the plan threatens wildlife, river access, and regional tourism while the CBP defends phased deployments and reviews.
The Presidio dispute over the border wall has culminated in a court ruling that denies a stay, while the government continues with plans to deploy the barrier, raising flood and environmental concerns for the town and surrounding areas.
The government has ordered a halt to drilling new wells in New Mexico while a groundwater strategy is developed with state and federal agencies. Ranchers warn that pumping could threaten livestock and livelihoods as drought presses on; officials say all non-tribal wells require permits, and eight wells have been found drilled without authorization along the Roosevelt Reservation.