Noem Approves 17-Mile Waterborne Barrier in Texas Rio Grande

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has expedited the construction of approximately 17 miles of floating waterborne barriers along the Rio Grande River in Cameron County, Texas, as part of the Trump administration's intensified border security measures. Utilizing her waiver authority, Noem bypassed environmental laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act, to quickly address a capability gap in waterways frequently used for drug smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal crossings. The project is funded from previously allocated resources and marks Noem's sixth use of such waivers to accelerate border barrier construction. While supporters argue the barriers will enhance safety for Border Patrol agents and deter illegal crossings, the initiative has faced criticism locally for potentially draining resources and contributing to racial profiling, especially in the largely Hispanic Rio Grande Valley community. The cost of the waterborne barriers is expected to be significantly higher than previous smaller-scale efforts, with estimates reaching up to $30 million per mile. This development continues the Trump administration's robust approach to border security, following legal disputes with Texas over similar barrier projects under the Biden administration.