Local Businesses and Officials Oppose Border Barriers in Big Bend

More than 140 Texas outfitters, recreation groups, and businesses are raising concerns about the Trump administration’s plans to construct vehicle barriers and roads in Big Bend National Park. They warn this could seriously harm the local tourism economy. A coalition of local officials, law enforcement, and outdoor businesses is expressing opposition to the project.

In a letter to Republican Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, as well as Governor Greg Abbott, the groups urged the leaders to stop the proposed border barriers along the Rio Grande. They argue the construction would cause lasting harm to one of Texas’s key recreation sites while providing minimal security benefits. Billy Bartko, owner of Far Flung Outdoor Center, stated, “To Washington D.C., this is just another construction project. But to all of us in West Texas, it’s a matter of our survival. Our economy depends on access to the Rio Grande.”

Customs and Border Protection plans to install vehicle barriers at river access points in the Big Bend region. This follows a Department of Homeland Security decision to waive certain protections to expedite construction. Newsweek reached out to Senators and DHS for comment. Abbott’s press secretary, Andrew Mahaleris, stated the governor supports using all tools and strategies for border security.

Businesses Fear Major Impact on Tourism

The letter emphasizes that access to the Rio Grande drives the regional outdoor recreation economy, vital for outfitters, guides, lodging providers, restaurants, and retailers in rural West Texas. Signatories express concern that barriers would disrupt key river access points utilized by commercial outfitters and recreational visitors, particularly at locations like Lajitas and La Linda.

The economic impact could be considerable as Big Bend National Park hosted 561,459 visitors in 2024. Visitor spending contributed an estimated $56.8 million to nearby communities, generating $63.7 million in regional economic output. Businesses highlight that generations have built recreation companies around the river, attracting visitors from across the U.S.

Sara Ryza of the Big Bend Tourism Alliance said, “Our local businesses depend heavily on tourism from the outdoor recreation economy. Every room booked, meal ordered, and gas tank filled keeps our regional economy going.”

Opposition Extends Beyond Environmental Groups

While border wall projects often incite partisan conflicts, the Big Bend opposition unites diverse local stakeholders. All five sheriffs in the Big Bend border region oppose the construction, citing natural barriers as sufficient obstacles. Fourteen Texas border county judges call for greater transparency and security measures reflecting the area’s unique geography. Seven former Big Bend National Park superintendents urge DHS to reject legal waivers for construction.

A petition opposing construction has gathered over 150,000 signatures. Critics argue federal planners apply a one-size-fits-all border strategy, ignoring natural barriers and existing surveillance methods.

Border Crossings Remain Low in Big Bend

Critics emphasize the low number of migrant encounters in the Big Bend sector compared to other border areas. The sector covers 517 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border but accounted for only 3,096 apprehensions in fiscal year 2025, just 1.3% of the southern border total. The business coalition argues apprehensions inside Big Bend National Park represent a mere 0.045% of total southwest border apprehensions.

Proponents of the project argue security concerns exist, citing DHS’s report of over 89,000 migrant encounters and drug seizures in the Big Bend Sector between fiscal years 2021 and 2025 as justification for infrastructure improvements.

What the Businesses Are Asking For

The letter asks Cornyn, Cruz, and Abbott to undertake three actions: prevent barriers from blocking Rio Grande access, modify border construction contracts to prioritize technology over physical barriers, and urge DHS to retract waivers of applicable laws for the project.

The groups assert that Big Bend already features an extensive border-security network, including surveillance technology managed by CBP, the National Park Service, and local law enforcement. They believe enhancing remote monitoring and aerial surveillance would improve security without limiting river access.

The letter concludes, “Big Bend National Park and the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River are our shared natural heritage. We are asking you, our elected representatives, to protect our livelihoods, our river, and one of our state’s most treasured landscapes from needless and permanent destruction.”