Federal agency compelled to construct section of Trump’s border wall.

The Department of Homeland Security to Build More Border Wall

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Friday that it will be constructing an additional 20 miles of the U.S.–Mexico border wall, fulfilling a promise made by former President Donald Trump during his 2016 campaign.

In a statement, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection stated, “Until and unless Congress cancels these funds, the law requires DHS to use the funds consistent with their appropriated purpose.” This comes after President Joe Biden’s administration had called on Congress to prevent further construction of the wall, but with Republicans currently in control of the House, it is unlikely to happen.

The statement revealed that the new wall will consist of approximately 20 miles of “steel bollard panels” along the Border Patrol’s Rio Grande Valley Sector, as mandated by a 2019 border barrier appropriation under Trump’s administration. It also mentioned that a significant portion of unobligated funds that had been diverted from the Department of Defense have been returned.

With about $190 million remaining in the 2019 spending bill, DHS initially attempted to allocate the funds to other priority projects. However, they have now been authorized to move forward with the Yuma Andrade and El Centro Calexico Fence Replacement Projects to address immediate safety concerns for the local community, migrants, and Border Patrol agents.

The statement emphasized that these replacement projects prioritize the safety and security of individuals, Border Patrol agents, migrants, and nearby communities. DHS also assured that they will continue to coordinate with landowners and state, local, and tribal governments to determine the best locations for the border barrier.

It is worth noting that this new construction contradicts a campaign promise made by President Biden in 2020, where he stated that not even one foot of Trump’s border wall would be built under his presidency.

Border issues have once again come into the spotlight as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a GOP presidential candidate, unveiled his immigration plan during a recent stop in Texas.

DeSantis, who consistently ranks as the second most popular GOP candidate behind Trump, has brought immigration to the forefront of the conversation once again.