No Big Bend Wall fights border wall over archaeological and environmental threats

The coalition known as No Big Bend Wall (NBBW) is against the construction of a 30-foot steel border wall in the Big Bend area of Texas, arguing that it poses risks to archaeological sites, wildlife pathways, and the Dark Sky Reserve. This wall, which is part of President Donald Trump's 2025 Executive Order and financed by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, would extend 150 miles along the Rio Grande, affecting Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, and Presidio counties, including Big Bend National Park. In March, former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem exempted 28 environmental regulations, even though illegal crossings had decreased by 74%. Local dissenters include five sheriffs, Texas Rep. Eddie Morales, and 14 county judges, with protests like the Big Bend Big Picnic on April 5 and 2,000 demonstrators in Austin. A $1.7 billion contract covers 17 miles of barriers within the park.