Trump Seeks Court Nod for Big Bend Wall

The Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to let border-wall and related infrastructure construction resume in Texas’s Big Bend region, challenging a federal judge’s order halting work while a lawsuit proceeds. The administration says the project is needed to counter illegal crossings and drug smuggling, and argues federal law gives the Homeland Security secretary authority to waive environmental requirements. Judge Kathleen Cardone found that opponents are likely to show the administration exceeded that authority, while critics—including local residents, ranchers and environmental groups—say the area has relatively low illegal-entry levels and construction could damage sensitive landscapes. The project includes barriers and supporting infrastructure, though the administration has said a large wall will not be built inside Big Bend National Park.