DHS Skips Rules to Speed Up Texas Border Wall Construction
Published Date: 12/9/2025
Notice
Summary
The Department of Homeland Security is speeding up building fences and roads along the Texas border by temporarily skipping some usual rules and laws. This change starts December 9, 2025, and helps protect the country by stopping illegal crossings faster. It affects border security workers and nearby communities, aiming to make the border safer without delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Laws Waived for Texas Border Construction
Starting December 9, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security waived a long list of federal laws so it can quickly build barriers and roads in a segment of the Rio Grande Valley Sector in Texas. The project area runs approximately from GPS point 26.571763, -99.169645 east to GPS point 25.956740, -97.147710, and the waiver covers statutes including the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, National Historic Preservation Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and the Clean Air Act, among others, for construction activities.
Authority Reserved to Issue More Waivers
The Secretary expressly reserves the authority to issue further waivers under section 102 of IIRIRA from time to time as necessary to ensure expeditious construction of barriers and roads. The notice also states that this waiver does not revoke or supersede any prior section 102(c) waivers, which remain in effect according to their terms.
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