DHS Secretary Noem Announces New Border Wall Construction in Arizona
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem has announced the commencement of construction on seven miles of new border wall in Arizona. The announcement, delivered via a short video posted on her X account, signals a renewed effort by the Trump administration to enhance border security along the U.S.-Mexico border.
The DHS, in a press release issued on Friday, disclosed that U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) had awarded the initial contract of President Donald Trump’s second term to Granite Construction Co. The contract, valued at over $70 million, will facilitate the construction of the seven-mile border wall in the Rio Grande Valley Sector, according to Secretary Noem’s announcement.
"Everybody, I’m here in Arizona, and right at this spot, you can see where the border wall ends," Secretary Noem stated while standing along the border, adorned with a CBP hat and jacket. "As of today, we’re starting 7 new miles of construction, we’re going to continue to make America safe again."
The construction of the new wall will be funded through CBP’s Fiscal Year 2021 funds, as confirmed by the DHS.
Contrast with Biden Administration Policies
The announcement marks a stark contrast to the policies of President Joe Biden, who halted all border wall construction along the U.S.-Mexico border on his first day in office. However, in late 2023, construction on approximately 20 miles of border barriers in South Texas was permitted to proceed under Biden, as the funds had been previously allocated by Congress during Trump’s first administration.
During President Trump’s initial term, approximately 458 miles of primary and secondary barriers were erected, according to CBP data. This included the replacement of dilapidated sections of the existing wall.
Trump Administration’s Vision for Border Security
Vice President JD Vance, during a recent visit to the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas, expressed his belief that President Trump aims to construct a wall spanning the entire southern border by the end of his term in 2029.
"I think the president’s hope is that by the end of the term we build the entire border wall," the vice president told reporters during a press conference. "And, of course, that’s the physical structure — the border wall itself — but we even heard today, there are so many good technological tools, so many great artificial intelligence-enabled technologies that can also be used to secure the border."
Impact on Illegal Immigration
According to estimates based on numbers reported by Fox News’ Bill Melugin, the number of illegal migrant "gotaways," or successful illegal crossings, has decreased by as much as 90% since Trump assumed office.
Melugin’s reports indicate that border agents have been spotting an average of 77 "gotaways" per day, compared to a peak of 1,800 per day during the height of the immigration crisis under Biden.
Controversies and Challenges
The construction of the border wall has been met with controversy and opposition from various groups, including environmental organizations, human rights advocates, and landowners along the border. Concerns have been raised regarding the environmental impact of the wall, its effectiveness in deterring illegal immigration, and its cost to taxpayers.
Financial Implications and Medicaid Loophole Concerns
The financial implications of border security measures have also been a subject of scrutiny. A recent study suggests that California is exploiting a Medicaid "loophole" to allocate billions of dollars for healthcare services provided to illegal immigrants.
Conclusion
The commencement of new border wall construction in Arizona signifies the Trump administration’s renewed commitment to enhancing border security. The project is expected to contribute to a reduction in illegal immigration, but it also faces challenges and controversies related to its environmental impact, cost, and effectiveness. The ongoing debate surrounding border security and immigration policy underscores the complexities and challenges facing the United States in managing its southern border.
