Federal judge blocks Trump border wall construction in Big Bend National Park region

U.S. District Judge Kathleen Cardone granted a preliminary injunction halting Trump administration border barrier construction across the Big Bend sector of West Texas, including Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. The ruling blocks Department of Homeland Security waivers that had suspended dozens of environmental and historical protection laws—including the Endangered Species Act and the National Historic Preservation Act—to fast-track construction. Cardone found plaintiffs were likely to succeed on their constitutional claims and would suffer irreparable harm if construction continued. The injunction, which covers over 500 miles of the Texas-Mexico border, remains in effect while the lawsuit proceeds. The ruling represents a significant judicial rebuke to the administration's use of statutory waivers to bypass environmental review for border security infrastructure.

“We stand by our assessment and remain confident in our legal authorities to secure the border while preserving the unique landscape of the Big Bend region. We are working with the Department of Justice on next steps.” Quote verified against source