U.S. Customs and Border Protection is pausing all construction activity in Big Bend National Park while Commissioner Rodney Scott travels to West Texas to personally evaluate the work, the agency announced Monday.
Scott said in a video posted to X that he ordered the pause Sunday night and was heading to the park. “I put a pause on all activity in that park, as far as construction goes, until I can get down there and do a personal evaluation, talk to some stakeholders, talk to local law enforcement,” he said. He added that he and a small team will evaluate the terrain and listen to local leaders and community members over the next couple of days.
CBP has said it is not building a 30-foot wall or stadium lighting through Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park or the Black Gap Wildlife Management Area. In a statement last week, Scott said the agency is building one new access road, improving existing roads, installing detection technology and placing vehicle barriers in limited, strategic locations. Heavy machinery began moving dirt this month in what CBP described as survey and design work.
CBP is pausing all construction activity in Big Bend National Park while I visit and conduct a personal, on-the-ground evaluation.
— CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott (@CBPCommissioner) August 17, 2026
CBP is firmly committed to protecting America, and that includes our national treasures like Big Bend National Park (BBNP). We know the current and… pic.twitter.com/UkmzvTluwH
The work has drawn criticism from local officials, environmental groups and some West Texas residents after images of bulldozers in the park circulated. The Big Bend sector covers a large stretch of the border but historically accounts for a small share of crossings, according to reporting by The Texas Tribune and CNN. Sen. John Cornyn previously asked Homeland Security to halt work until officials consulted stakeholders.
Scott said CBP remains committed to securing the border while protecting the park. It was not immediately clear how long the pause will last. Additional information is expected later this week after his visit.
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