The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has expedited the construction of the border wall in California following an earlier announcement of similar efforts in Texas. The decision comes amid rising concerns about illegal immigration and criminal activities along the border, particularly in California's San Diego Sector.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem issued a waiver to allow the immediate construction of approximately 2.5 miles of new border wall in California. The waiver, issued under Section 102 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, addresses environmental regulations that could delay vital projects. The waiver states, “This waiver clears the path for the rapid deployment of physical barriers where they are needed most, reinforcing our commitment to national security and the rule of law,” according to DHS.

The new projects will include previously identified areas within the CBP San Diego Sector, which were funded through CBP fiscal 2020 and 2021 appropriations. These include the Jacumba Gap Wall Project, the Smugglers Gulch Wall Project, and the 4 Wall Project, totaling approximately 3 miles. As DHS noted, “Together, these projects will close critical gaps in the border barrier and enhance border security operations in the San Diego Sector.”

Despite President Biden’s pledge in January 2021 to not build “another foot” of the border wall, some construction and repairs have continued under his administration. The Biden administration halted all border wall construction upon taking office, resulting in significant costs due to contractual obligations. DHS had to pay $6 million a day at first, which then dropped to $3 million a day, for not building the wall. “Materials that had been purchased to build the wall were left to rust on the ground,” The Center Square reported.

In 2023, CBP replaced deteriorating barriers, including a 30-foot double wall at the Friendship Circle Project in San Diego. These efforts were part of broader border security measures following Biden's 2022 pause to conduct further community outreach.

Simultaneously, CBP identified 20 miles of border wall to be constructed in Starr County, Texas, to address the immediate need for physical barriers to combat illegal border crossings and trafficking. DHS emphasized that the work, including repairs in Texas, was part of ongoing efforts to "impede and deny illegal border crossings and the drug- and human-smuggling activities of cartels."

The debate over border wall construction reflects a broader political shift, with the Biden administration reversing some policies from the Trump era, which emphasized building and expanding the wall as a cornerstone of border security.

Originally reported by Black Hills Pioneer.