Trump’s border wall faces legal challenge over ‘devastating’ flood risk
A federal lawsuit has been filed against the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection over plans to build parts of the border wall near Big Bend National Park. The suit, brought by the municipal development district of Presidio, Texas, argues that replacing an existin
By Josh Marcus
A federal lawsuit has been filed against the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection over plans to build parts of the border wall near Big Bend National Park.
The suit, brought by the municipal development district of Presidio, Texas, argues that replacing an existing earthen levee with a 30-foot-tall concrete border wall could lead to "potentially devastating" flash flooding.
The district claims the administration is proceeding with wall construction contracts without obtaining necessary permission from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, violating the Rivers and Harbors Act.
Concerns are highlighted by past events, including a 2008 flood that prompted the construction of the current flood control system, and the administration's history of waiving environmental laws for border wall projects.
The lawsuit is part of broader controversies surrounding border wall construction, which has faced criticism for ecological impact, interference with flood control, and legal challenges from Indigenous groups.