Noem signs waivers for 17 miles of waterborne barriers in Rio Grande [View all]
Source: The Hill
07/03/25 11:34 AM ET
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem signed a waiver allowing 17 miles of waterborne barrier to be constructed quicker in Texas as part of a broader effort to erect President Trumps border wall.
A capability gap has been identified in waterways along the Southwest border where drug smuggling, human trafficking and other dangerous and illegal activity occurs. In response to this gap, CBP has identified the requirement for the construction of waterborne barriers to support the border security mission in waterways, U.S. Customs and Border Protection wrote in a release.
In addition, waterborne barriers are intended to create a safer border environment for patrolling agents, as well as deter illegal aliens from attempting to illegally cross the border through dangerous waterways.
The waiver from Noem allows the government to bypass the National Environmental Policy Act, which requires stringent environmental reviews before beginning construction. The barriers will be placed in the Rio Grande, the same river where the state of Texas placed buoys to deter migrants from crossing the U.S.-Mexico border.
Read more: https://thehill.com/policy/national-security/5383623-noem-dhs-buoys-barriers-rio-grande-texas-immigration-southern-border/