Noem Waives Environmental Restrictions to Fast-Track Water Barriers in Rio Grande

The move allows DHS to bypass environmental laws and swiftly build 17 miles of waterborne barriers in South Texas to deter smuggling and illegal crossings.

People walk between razor wire and a string of buoys placed on the water along the Rio Grande border with Mexico in Eagle Pass, Texas, on July 16, 2023. Suzanne Cordeiro/AFP/Getty Images

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has waived federal environmental laws to fast-track construction of 17 miles of waterborne barriers in the Rio Grande in South Texas, citing the need to address security gaps that have enabled various types of illegal activity.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in a July 3 press release that waterways along the Southwest border have been identified as a significant “capability gap” in border enforcement efforts—a key Trump administration priority.