Trump Restarts Border Wall Construction Amid Immigration Policy Overhaul

President Donald Trump has ordered the restart of border wall construction along the U.S.-Mexico border, relaunching an emblematic and multibillion-dollar-initiative from his first term. The move is part of a broader set of immigration policies, including reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” policy and suspending asylum rights, aimed at addressing what Trump calls an “invasion” at the southern border.

Speaking at Emancipation Hall following his inauguration, Trump reflected on the challenges and accomplishments of the border wall project during his first term. While early plans favored a towering concrete wall, construction evolved to include steel, reinforced concrete, and anti-climb panels. “It wasn’t pretty, but it worked,” Trump said, claiming the design effectively deterred climbers, including skilled smugglers.

During his first term, approximately 450 miles of barriers were built, including 40 miles of new primary wall in previously unfenced areas. Additional efforts replaced aging infrastructure. Trump criticized plans during the Biden administration to sell unused wall materials, crediting Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton with stopping such actions.

The new push comes as Texas continues its independent border wall efforts, including building 50 miles of wall under the Biden administration and purchasing a 1,400-acre property in the Rio Grande Valley to support future construction.

Recently, officials in Texas announced on Jan. 15 that construction of a 1.5-mile segment of state-built border wall was completed in Starr County.

Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham said the property includes easements for new segments. Meanwhile, a Texas Senate proposal seeks to use eminent domain to facilitate wall construction, though resistance from some landowners has led to fragmented sections across multiple counties.

In October 2023, the Biden administration announced plans to build 20 miles of new border wall in Starr County, Texas, citing rising migrant crossings. This marked a reversal of President Joe Biden’s previous stance against wall expansion. Trump criticized the move as too little, too late, pledging to expand the wall quickly during his second term.

As federal agencies prepare to restart construction, Trump stressed that immigration as the nation’s “number one issue.” “The people of Texas, and all over the country, are demanding it,” he said, signaling his continued focus on border security.