DHS has just announced a $3.3 billion push to build new Smart Walls along the Texas-Arizona border, including the first wall in Laredo, a city that has never had one before.
New Contracts and Scope
The agency said U.S. Customs and Border Protection awarded five contracts totaling $3.3 billion for Smart Wall Construction projects in Texas and Arizona. These contracts add to the $4.5 billion worth of Smart Wall projects awarded in October, which included 230 miles of new wall and at least 80 miles of waterborne barrier.
The Thursday announcement covers 56 miles of new wall and 66 miles of waterborne barrier in Laredo.
Community Response
Laredo, which faces strong opposition groups, has never had a wall before. Margarita Araiza, a board member of the nonprofit Rio Grande International Study Center, posted on Facebook: “We have a terrible challenge now facing our community and that is the border wall that is being projected for this community. Nobody wants to live behind the Berlin Wall. It would be a travesty to our ancestors and to our descendants … We cannot allow this to happen in our backyard.” She urged residents to contact local and state representatives.
Contract Details and Companies
In Laredo, two contracts awarded to Fisher Sand & Gravel Company amount to $740 million for 15 miles of wall and 66 miles of waterborne barrier. SLSCO Ltd. received a $665 million contract to build 41 miles of wall. In Del Rio, SLSCO Ltd. was awarded $372.8 million for 22 miles of wall and 13 miles of advanced detection technology. In Tucson, Fisher Sand & Gravel Company received a $1.5 billion contract to construct 19 miles of wall, 19 miles of secondary wall, and 136 miles of detection technology. Fisher Sand & Gravel Company won the most lucrative contracts announced Thursday, totaling $2.2 billion.
The company had previously won a contract exceeding a billion dollars in 2020 to build 42 miles of wall through Arizona. In 2020, owner Tommy Fisher self-funded and built most of a 3-mile private wall on the Rio Grande in Mission, Texas.
Officials and Statements
CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott said, “Securing our border is key to protecting our country, keeping our communities safe, and making sure our immigration system works the way it should. A border wall with the right technology – a Smart Wall – is an important tool to stop illegal activity and to help agents do their job, which is critical in keeping America safe.”
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem issued nine environmental waivers to fast-track construction in several border areas, including Del Rio, Texas, and Tucson, Arizona.
Key Takeaways
- DHS announced $3.3 billion in Smart Wall contracts for Texas and Arizona.
- 56 miles of wall and 66 miles of waterborne barrier will be built in Laredo for the first time.
- Fisher Sand & Gravel Company secured the largest contracts, totaling $2.2 billion.
The announcement marks a significant expansion of the U.S. border wall program, bringing new construction to Laredo for the first time and sparking debate among residents, local officials, and federal agencies.
