The Texas Border Wall Opposed by Both Environmentalists and Republicans

"Last fall, loops of razor-wire fencing were strung along the Rio Grande in the Big Bend area, a remote region of far West Texas. Then, in January, residents heard rumors that a steel barrier was in the works. The wall along the southern border of the United States, whose construction began in the early nineties, under President George H. W. Bush, spans some seven hundred miles. The Big Bend region had previously been a low priority, owing to its rugged terrain and low number of illegal crossings."

"In February, a local newspaper, the Big Bend Sentinel, reported that construction was imminent. Property owners received letters warning that their land might be taken through eminent domain. Soon, survey crews showed up, bulldozers were spotted along dusty roads, and the Army Corps of Engineers arranged private meetings. The founder of a local R.V. park said that he was offered more than half a million dollars to host workers. He turned it down. "I just couldn't do it," he posted on social media."

"The proposed wall in the Big Bend region would cost more than two billion dollars. It would intrude on the land of alfalfa farmers, cattle ranchers, river guides, and wealthy landowners. It would block the views along what National Geographic has called one of the most scenic drives in the country, and it would brighten some of the darkest night skies in the continental United States. It would impede the movement of wild animals and prevent livestock from accessing the Rio Grande, a crucial water source."

"It may disturb historic evidence of "the edge of the Puebloan world," according to an archeologist who works in the"

Razor-wire fencing was strung along the Rio Grande in Big Bend, Texas, followed by rumors and reports of a steel barrier. The proposed wall would extend along the southern border, with Big Bend previously considered a low priority due to rugged terrain and fewer illegal crossings. Property owners received eminent domain warnings, survey crews arrived, bulldozers appeared, and the Army Corps of Engineers held private meetings. Some residents were offered large sums to host workers, but at least one declined. The wall is projected to cost more than two billion dollars and would affect alfalfa farmers, cattle ranchers, river guides, and wealthy landowners. It would block scenic views, brighten night skies, impede wild animals, restrict livestock access to the Rio Grande, and potentially disturb historic Puebloan evidence.

Read at The New Yorker