Celebrate Judge Halting Border Wall Construction in Big Bend

A federal judge has temporarily halted border wall construction across Texas’ sprawling Big Bend region, delivering a major victory for conservation groups and local residents fighting to protect one of the country’s most distinctive landscapes.

Federal Judge Kathleen Cardone issued a preliminary injunction stopping border barrier construction throughout the more than 500-mile Big Bend sector, including Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. The order will remain in place while the court considers a lawsuit challenging the project.

The lawsuit was brought by the Center for Biological Diversity, Friends of the Ruidosa Church, and river guide Danny Miller Jr. They challenged the Trump administration’s decision to waive dozens of environmental and historic-preservation laws to fast-track construction throughout the region.

Judge Cardone found that the plaintiffs are likely to succeed on at least one of their claims and could suffer irreparable harm if construction continued. Her injunction pauses the federal waivers and requires the government to comply with applicable laws before border barrier construction can move forward.

Add your name to applaud Judge Cardone’s decision to halt border wall construction and protect Big Bend while the lawsuit moves forward!

(Photo source: Kaylee Greenlee/Bloomberg via Getty)