Some state lawmakers oppose the proposed border wall through Big Bend National Park, urging Governor Abbott to halt the project, citing its impact on tourism.
BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, Texas — A group of state lawmakers is voicing opposition to more than 100 miles of border wall planned through Big Bend National Park as part of President Donald Trump’s “Smart Wall” initiative.
The initiative combines physical barriers with surveillance and technology along the U.S.-Mexico border.
In a letter to Gov. Greg Abbott, the lawmakers urged him to put a stop to the project. The group, which includes state Rep. Josey Garcia, described the work as an unnecessary use of military power and a major disruption to the popular travel destination.
The lawmakers argue the Big Bend region already serves as a natural barrier between the United States and Mexico. They also said expanding the wall would hurt tourism in an area that draws about half a million visitors each year.
Instead of additional wall construction, the lawmakers said modern surveillance and detection technology, along with strategic deployment and coordination among local, state and federal agencies, would be a better approach.
They are urging Abbott to request a halt to plans to expand the wall in the region.