DHS Waives Laws to Speed Up Arizona Border Barriers
Published Date: 7/21/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Homeland Security is speeding up the building of barriers and roads along the Arizona border by temporarily skipping some usual rules and laws. This change affects construction projects starting July 21, 2026, helping protect the U.S. from illegal crossings and threats. It’s a big move to keep the border secure without delays, using special legal powers to get the job done fast.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Expedited Arizona Border Construction
The Department of Homeland Security will immediately construct additional barriers and roads in the Tucson Sector of the Arizona border, in the project area from Border Monument 163 east to Border Monument 140. This action takes effect on July 21, 2026 and is intended to prevent unlawful entries and drug smuggling in that segment.
Waiver of Environmental and Historic Laws
For construction in the project area (Border Monument 163 to 140 in Arizona), DHS waived, effective July 21, 2026, a broad list of federal statutes — including the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, National Historic Preservation Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and Clean Air Act — for the installation and upkeep of barriers, roads, lighting, cameras, and related work. Those listed statutes and related legal requirements will not apply to the specified construction activities in that project area.
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Key Dates
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