Stop the construction of the "smart" wall in the Big Bend Sector, Big Bend National Park
The Issue
In February of 2026, the Department of Homeland Security issued sweeping waivers and contracts for the Big Bend sector, including plans for “smart wall” infrastructure in Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park.
“Smart wall” plans for the region include 30ft steel bollard walls or waterborne barriers (like buoys), detection technology, cameras and lighting and in some cases a secondary wall. (cbp.gov) This is one of the most remote stretches of the border, where harsh terrain already functions as a deterrent, and apprehensions make up less than 2% of all apprehensions in the U.S– despite the Big Bend Sector accounting for over 26% of the entire southern border.
Follow along with current updates about the movement → HERE
Donate to local efforts → HERE
The waivers issued by former United States Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, and current Secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin, allow the government and contractors to bypass due process and waive protections like the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act and a variety of wildlife and historic resources protection laws.
Big Bend is home to species like peregrine falcons, black bears, and the endemic Montezuma quail who all depend on access to the rio for their livelihoods. The views along River Road 170 are some of the most iconic views in the State of Texas. The proposed smart wall infrastructure through this section of border would not only be devastating to the local flora and fauna, it would ruin one of the most incredible parcels of public land in the Lone Star State.
A “smart wall” would industrialize public lands, cut locals off from their main economic driver, decrease private property values, endanger arid and riparian ecosystems, diminish protected dark skies, and destroy irreplaceable archaeological sites.
While the stakes are high and the plan is deeply unpopular across party lines, there has been zero transparency, zero public input and zero communication from state or federal officials.
The proposed “smart wall” will tear through long-standing family ranchlands and farms, treasured public land (like Big Bend National & State Park, Black Gap Wildlife management area, Lower Canyons/Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River, Lake Amistad), precious cultural sites like Ruidosa Church, and indigenous sites like the La Junta Archaeological District.
This degradation poses a risk to our natural resources, affecting not just the immediate environment but the far-reaching ecosystems relying on this vital water source. Construction alone would result in trash and erosion impacts to the Rio Grande.
Man camps and dust mitigation will pull on our already over-stretched aquifers.
In towns where resources are sparse– contractors will place a demand on our emergency services, police departments, hospital, and more. Which will take away critical resources from the folks that call this region home.
Tourism, a linchpin for the local economy, is also at stake. Tourists are drawn to the rugged beauty and untouched/wild nature of Big Bend. This proposed “smart” wall would not only be an eyesore but would eliminate much of the appeal that brings visitors from across the state and beyond, harming small businesses and local livelihoods that depend on this industry.
The proposal to build a wall disregards the ecological and economic significance of the park. It is crucial that public officials recognize the irreversible damage such a project would impose. We must advocate for sustainable solutions that protect our landscapes, support diverse ecosystems, and respect the community's reliance on tourism.
I urge you to join me in sending a clear message to decision-makers: Protect West Texas. Preserve Big Bend Ranch State Park and Big Bend National Park. Stand with Texas landowners and indigenous communities.
Sign this petition to oppose the construction of the smart wall so that a true Texas jewel – Big Bend – can be protected and enjoyed for generations to come.
** Please note that any donations made through the petition platform (Change.org) do not get dispersed to local efforts and are used solely by Change.org to market the petition on their platform(s).**
152,401
The Issue
In February of 2026, the Department of Homeland Security issued sweeping waivers and contracts for the Big Bend sector, including plans for “smart wall” infrastructure in Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park.
“Smart wall” plans for the region include 30ft steel bollard walls or waterborne barriers (like buoys), detection technology, cameras and lighting and in some cases a secondary wall. (cbp.gov) This is one of the most remote stretches of the border, where harsh terrain already functions as a deterrent, and apprehensions make up less than 2% of all apprehensions in the U.S– despite the Big Bend Sector accounting for over 26% of the entire southern border.
Follow along with current updates about the movement → HERE
Donate to local efforts → HERE
The waivers issued by former United States Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, and current Secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin, allow the government and contractors to bypass due process and waive protections like the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act and a variety of wildlife and historic resources protection laws.
Big Bend is home to species like peregrine falcons, black bears, and the endemic Montezuma quail who all depend on access to the rio for their livelihoods. The views along River Road 170 are some of the most iconic views in the State of Texas. The proposed smart wall infrastructure through this section of border would not only be devastating to the local flora and fauna, it would ruin one of the most incredible parcels of public land in the Lone Star State.
A “smart wall” would industrialize public lands, cut locals off from their main economic driver, decrease private property values, endanger arid and riparian ecosystems, diminish protected dark skies, and destroy irreplaceable archaeological sites.
While the stakes are high and the plan is deeply unpopular across party lines, there has been zero transparency, zero public input and zero communication from state or federal officials.
The proposed “smart wall” will tear through long-standing family ranchlands and farms, treasured public land (like Big Bend National & State Park, Black Gap Wildlife management area, Lower Canyons/Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River, Lake Amistad), precious cultural sites like Ruidosa Church, and indigenous sites like the La Junta Archaeological District.
This degradation poses a risk to our natural resources, affecting not just the immediate environment but the far-reaching ecosystems relying on this vital water source. Construction alone would result in trash and erosion impacts to the Rio Grande.
Man camps and dust mitigation will pull on our already over-stretched aquifers.
In towns where resources are sparse– contractors will place a demand on our emergency services, police departments, hospital, and more. Which will take away critical resources from the folks that call this region home.
Tourism, a linchpin for the local economy, is also at stake. Tourists are drawn to the rugged beauty and untouched/wild nature of Big Bend. This proposed “smart” wall would not only be an eyesore but would eliminate much of the appeal that brings visitors from across the state and beyond, harming small businesses and local livelihoods that depend on this industry.
The proposal to build a wall disregards the ecological and economic significance of the park. It is crucial that public officials recognize the irreversible damage such a project would impose. We must advocate for sustainable solutions that protect our landscapes, support diverse ecosystems, and respect the community's reliance on tourism.
I urge you to join me in sending a clear message to decision-makers: Protect West Texas. Preserve Big Bend Ranch State Park and Big Bend National Park. Stand with Texas landowners and indigenous communities.
Sign this petition to oppose the construction of the smart wall so that a true Texas jewel – Big Bend – can be protected and enjoyed for generations to come.
** Please note that any donations made through the petition platform (Change.org) do not get dispersed to local efforts and are used solely by Change.org to market the petition on their platform(s).**
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Petition created on February 18, 2026