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Homeland Security Chief Speeds Up Rio Grande Barrier Placement
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has approved a waiver to expedite the installation of a 17-mile water barrier along the Rio Grande in Cameron County, Texas. This marks the sixth time Noem has used such a waiver, which bypasses standard environmental regulations, including the National Environmental Policy Act.
The barrier, intended to deter illegal crossings and drug smuggling, is slated for completion by the end of fiscal year 2025. Funding for the project is being repurposed from cancelled border wall contracts initially approved during the Trump administration.
The Department of Homeland Security has stated that the barrier is necessary to address “a capability gap” in border security along waterways, and to create a safer environment for border patrol agents.