Washington (United States) (AFP) - The US Supreme Court on Monday allowed Donald Trump's administration to resume construction of the border wall in an area of Texas that includes a national park.
First modification: 11/09/2026 - 22:11
The high court, in an unsigned order, vacated a federal district court injunction that had prevented the government from restarting its border barrier project in the Big Bend region.
The Supreme Court said the lower court's injunction "prevents the government from advancing its 'compelling objectives' of border security and integrity."
"The government's interest, therefore, outweighs any aesthetic, recreational and environmental harm alleged by plaintiffs," the court noted.
Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson filed the lone dissenting opinion.
The Center for Biological Diversity and other organizations had filed a lawsuit challenging the federal government's decision to waive compliance with dozens of environmental laws to expedite the $1.7 billion project through Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park.
The Department of Homeland Security plans to build border barriers, patrol roads, lighting and detection technology in and around Big Bend National Park, known for its spectacular views and rich biodiversity, including hundreds of species of birds, bobcats and black bears.
In August, excavators began work on public lands that combine desert, river and mountain ecosystems and are home to the famous Santa Elena Canyon, before Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Rodney Scott announced a pause following fierce local opposition.
The project is part of President Donald Trump's broader push to finish a massive border wall with Mexico.
Laiken Jordahl, national public lands advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity, called the Supreme Court ruling a "horrendous decision."
"The Trump administration and its contractors are hell-bent on destroying one of America's best national parks, and the Supreme Court just gave them the green light," Jordahl lamented in a statement.
© 2026 AFP
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