The Trump administration has taken the first major step in resuming border wall construction — awarding a $70 million contract to build a new section of the wall in Texas.
CBP announced that Granite Construction Co. will construct seven miles of new wall in Hidalgo County — an area heavily trafficked by illegal immigrants and drug cartels. The project will focus on closing openings left unfinished after the Biden administration canceled previously awarded contracts.
🚨BREAKING: Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announces 7 MORE MILES of border wall is being built starting today.
pic.twitter.com/TTukbg9blz— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) March 16, 2025
Trump reinstated emergency border security measures through executive orders shortly after taking office — directing DHS to resume building physical barriers and increase enforcement efforts. Officials say that reinforcing the border will help prevent illegal crossings and reduce cartel activity.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem traveled to the border over the weekend to discuss the new construction. In a video posted to social media — she stood at a point where the existing wall ends and stated, “We’re going to continue to make America safe again.”
Reports indicate that illegal border crossings have plummeted since Trump’s return to office — with recent statistics showing a 95% decrease. CBP officials credit the administration’s policies and renewed construction efforts for the significant decline.
Vice President J.D. Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard also toured the border earlier this month. Vance reaffirmed that the administration is committed to completing the entire border wall.
Trump’s first administration completed 450 miles of new border wall before Biden halted progress and redirected funds. Missouri and Texas later sued the Biden administration — securing a court order that restored $1.4 billion in funding for wall construction.
The Trump administration is expected to announce additional border security projects in the coming months as part of its broader effort to secure the southern border.
