News Summary
Construction crews have resumed work on the border wall near Tijuana, Mexico, as of January 22, 2025. New sections are being built to enhance security, with reinforcements planned in California and Texas. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is involved, and funding comes from prior appropriations. The San Diego Sector is a focal point for closing gaps in the existing border. Federal reimbursements and state coordination continue as ongoing military support aids enforcement efforts along the southern border.
Construction Crews Back at Work on Border Wall in Tijuana
As of January 22, 2025, construction crews have rolled up their sleeves to resume work on the border wall near Tijuana, Mexico. This long-debated project is re-entering the spotlight as new sections of the wall are now being built to address various security and enforcement needs in the border region.
Reinforcements in California and Texas
The buzz around the San Ysidro Land Port of Entry in California is palpable, as crews work to enhance the border wall here, too. Reports indicate that reinforcement work has kicked off in El Paso, Texas, starting January 31, marking a new chapter in border security efforts. It’s noteworthy that the funds being utilized for this construction come from contracts and appropriations that were set during the first Trump administration.
What’s New with the Construction?
The construction in California features advanced “anti-climb” technology, designed to bolster security in regions that currently lack barriers or have older fencing. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is even lending a helping hand to the project near Friendship Park in California, showcasing increased military collaboration in these efforts.
Interestingly, while work is ramping up, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has clarified that only fiscal 2018 funds will be tapped for this coming construction. This is due to the fact that funds from 2021 and 2022 haven’t been dedicated specifically for wall construction. CBP has set its sights on closing various gaps in the existing borders in the San Diego Sector.
Looking Ahead
The future looks busy as CBP anticipates that some additional projects in the planning stages could begin construction as early as March 2025. You can feel the energy on the southern border as the military gets involved, too! Around 500 U.S. Marines and sailors from Camp Pendleton have been dispatched to assist in various enforcement actions. Additionally, approximately 1,500 troops from Fort Bliss in Texas are also actively helping Border Patrol efforts. It’s a sight to see!
Federal Appropriations and Texas Funding Requests
On the financial side of things, new federal wall sections kicked off construction in the El Paso sector toward the end of January 2025. These projects are being funded through the 2020 appropriations confirmed during the Biden administration for use in 2023. Although the contractors for the El Paso sections have yet to be identified, Fisher Sand and Gravel holds a federal contract that could play a role in this new phase.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has put forth a significant request for reimbursement from Congress—up to $11 billion for border wall construction and enforcement costs dating back to 2020. His detailed breakdown includes around $4.75 billion aimed at wall funding and local grants, along with $3.62 billion attributed to National Guard personnel costs.
State and Federal Coordination
The Texas Facilities Commission recently approved contracts totaling roughly $400 million for border infrastructure, reaching out to various contractors, some of whom already possess federal contracts. Discussions are ongoing with Congress for potential reimbursement, addressing the hefty amount spent on border security. Texas continues its own border wall project, which might receive federal reimbursement in the future.
The Bottom Line
With construction revving back up and ongoing military support, the developments at the border aren’t going unnoticed. As federal and state governments get more involved, the focus is on completing the wall and fortifying the border security measures. It looks like the borders are about to get a whole lot more attention in the months to come!
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