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Like "pissing in the wind": Local concerns bulldozed by Trump's border wall plan
The Trump administration has unequivocally informed state and local officials that resistance to border wall construction is futile. Federal envoys met with Texas border county officials who opposed the wall, citing environmental concerns and a lack of need in rugged areas. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott stated that wall construction was non-negotiable. Local officials, including county judges and sheriffs, expressed frustration over decisions being made without local input. A federal judge's temporary restraining order paused construction for a period, but its duration is limited. Landowners who refuse to grant access risk eminent domain lawsuits. The administration insists it is evaluating technology to achieve zero illegal border crossings and strengthen border security. However, some leeway is being given for negotiations in Brewster County regarding construction near national parks. Local officials in Brewster County are concerned about the impact on tourism and have been working with CBP to limit construction in sensitive areas. Similar pressure tactics have been employed in other regions, including sovereign tribal lands and religious sites.