Big Bend border wall construction blocked by judge

Avery Lotz

A woman wears a straw hat and glasses while holding a sign that reads "NO WALL PROTECT BIG BEND." — A woman holds a sign to protest the plans to build a section of the border wall at the Big Bend National Park in Study Butte, Texas, on August 15. Photo: Ronaldo Schemidt/ AFP via Getty Images

A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from pursuing border wall construction in the Big Bend region in Texas on Friday.

The big picture: The construction inside the national park sparked local outrage and environmental concerns, with Friday's decision handing the Department of Homeland Security a loss in its quest to rapidly expand the Southwestern border wall.

Driving the news: The administration is barred, for now, from building border barrier or infrastructure — or engaging in any "construction or ground disturbing activities" — in the Big Bend sector, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Cardone said in a brief order.

The administration paused border wall construction in the park back in August, with U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott saying he'd visit and discuss with local stakeholders.
DHS did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.

Catch up quick: The local challengers urged the court to prevent the administration to restart construction, alleging the administration overstepped its authority on multiple fronts and warning of harm to the environment and recreation.

"Once bulldozers clear vegetation, roads are cut into previously undeveloped terrain, lights mounted, and steel barrier infrastructure is effected, those qualities cannot be restored through monetary compensation or after-the-fact relief," they argued in an August motion.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.

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Big Bend border wall construction blocked by judge

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