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Bulldozers Begin Clearing Big Bend Park for Border Barrier Work

Bulldozers have begun clearing land at Big Bend National Park in Texas, including at the mouth of Santa Elena Canyon, as part of the Trump administration's multibillion-dollar 'smart wall' border expansion. Environmentalists, local sheriffs, landowners, outdoor enthusiasts and business owners have objected, warning the work would permanently alter the park often called 'Texas' gift to the nation.'

Coverage from 3 publishers 5 source reports
GuardianNPRNYT
At Big Bend National Park, bulldozers begin clearing pristine desert land for border barrier work NPR – US
Update summary

What changed in this update

Over the objections of environmentalists, local sheriffs and some state leaders, the Trump administration appears to be moving ahead with border infrastructure in one of Texas’ most beloved parks.

Event intelligence

Border construction dispute in Big Bend National Park

2 connected story threads

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has paused all border construction activity in Big Bend National Park while Commissioner Rodney Scott evaluates the project; crews had already begun clearing land, including at Santa Elena Canyon.

Grounded in 3 reports across 2 sources

In this event Border construction paused at Big Bend National Park after public outcry Earlier coverage
Source coverage

Source reports

US
Guardian

‘Devastating’: bulldozers plough through Big Bend national park as Trump’s border work pushes ahead

Heavy machinery seen operating in famous Santa Elena Canyon amid outcry over new wall infrastructure in beloved Texas park Bulldozers have begun plowing up ground at the mouth of Big Bend national park’s famed Santa Elena Canyon as part of the Trump administration’s multibillion-dollar “smart wall” expansion on the US-Mexico border, according to new footage taken by activists who have been monitoring the site. Tensi…

What Is Happening at the Border in Big Bend National Park?NYTimes – US
NYT

What Is Happening at the Border in Big Bend National Park?

Over the objections of environmentalists, local sheriffs and some state leaders, the Trump administration appears to be moving ahead with border infrastructure in one of Texas’ most beloved parks.

US
NPR

At Big Bend National Park, bulldozers begin clearing land for border barrier work

In the Big Bend area of West Texas, contractors are beginning to set the stage to build the Trump administration's planned border wall and barriers, despite bipartisan opposition.

At Big Bend National Park, bulldozers begin clearing pristine desert land for border barrier workNPR – US
NPR

At Big Bend National Park, bulldozers begin clearing pristine desert land for border barrier work

A coalition of landowners, outdoor enthusiasts and business owners that say any work in Big Bend National Park would forever change the place often called "Texas' gift to the nation."

US
NPR

At Big Bend National Park, bulldozers begin clearing land for border barrier work

Out in the Big Bend area of West Texas, contractors are beginning to set the stage for construction of the Trump administration's planned border wall and barriers: crews are clearing ecologically sensitive land within the sprawling Big Bend National Park; worker housing is being built across the region; and heavy machinery, steel panels and construction materials are being hauled down rural, two-lane roads. As one l…

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