WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is advancing the use of eminent domain and other land-acquisition measures for border security projects along the U.S.-Mexico border, with federal agencies seeking access to privately owned land in parts of Texas as construction plans move forward, according to government notices, court filings and statements from affected landowners.
The effort is tied to the administration’s broader border infrastructure program, which includes new barriers, roads and surveillance systems. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has sent letters to landowners in the Big Bend region of West Texas requesting permission for surveys and construction-related activities and warning that eminent domain proceedings could be used if agreements are not reached, according to landowners and published copies of the notices.
Federal officials have begun meeting with property owners in Presidio County and surrounding areas. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which is assisting with property acquisition, held discussions with landowners earlier this year as planning for border projects continued, according to local public radio reports.
Some residents have objected to the plans, saying properties that have been held by families for generations could be affected. “I don’t want a wall, but if they’re going to build it, how am I supposed to fight it?” landowner Adan Madrid told the Texas Tribune after receiving a federal notice regarding access to his property.
The administration has argued that the projects are necessary to strengthen border security. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said in a federal notice this month that waivers of environmental requirements were needed “to ensure the expeditious construction of barriers and roads” along the southern border. The waivers apply to planned projects in portions of the Big Bend region, according to Department of Homeland Security notices.
Opposition has also emerged through the courts. A development organization representing the city and county of Presidio filed a federal lawsuit this month seeking to halt parts of the project, arguing that planned barriers and related infrastructure could increase flooding risks and harm local communities.
The administration has simultaneously accelerated border-wall contracting and construction activity, awarding major contracts and expanding planning efforts in several border regions, according to public reports.
As of Thursday, land acquisition efforts and negotiations with property owners were continuing. Federal agencies have not publicly disclosed how many parcels could ultimately be acquired through eminent domain, and details of future condemnation proceedings remain unclear.
