WASHINGTON — A federal judge in Texas on Friday temporarily halted the Trump administration’s plans to construct a border wall and related infrastructure through the state’s Big Bend region, handing opponents of President Donald Trump’s signature campaign promise a significant legal victory.
Property owners, local businesses and environmental groups have joined forces against the proposed construction. The projects form part of a $46 billion initiative to reinforce the southern border with 30-foot steel barriers, vehicle restrictions, access roads and surveillance equipment.
In her ruling, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Cardone wrote that the plaintiffs were “likely to succeed on the merits of at least one of the claims in suit,” faced a substantial risk of irreparable harm without an injunction, and that both the equities and the public interest favored their position.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection defended the planned work in a statement issued Friday.
“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,” the agency said. “We are working with the Department of Justice on next steps.”
The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately answer a request for comment.
Cardone’s order covers Big Bend National Park, a focal point of the fight over the border wall and a site where construction was briefly suspended after intense opposition.
Critics say the roughly 500-mile Big Bend region is so isolated and rugged that its terrain already discourages illegal immigration. They also contend that the administration broke the law by issuing broad waivers that allowed border construction to bypass numerous environmental and other regulatory requirements.
The lawsuit was filed by an environmental organization, supporters of a historic church in Ruidosa and a river guide. They argued that the Department of Homeland Security improperly sidestepped safeguards intended to protect the area’s environment, cultural heritage and archaeological resources.
Laiken Jordahl of the Center for Biological Diversity, one of the groups behind the case, described the decision as a “total victory.”
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“The bulldozers are going to be sent packing until she rules on the merits,” Jordahl said. “This is such a historic day for Big Bend and for Texas and the Constitution.”
The ruling came only weeks after the administration installed the first border wall panels in the Big Bend sector in mid-September.
Plans for the sector have drawn opposition from both Republicans and Democrats.
The strongest criticism has focused on CBP’s proposal to build inside Big Bend National Park, known for its dramatic scenery, limestone cliffs and exceptionally clear night skies.
The sight of bulldozers clearing land in the park in August triggered a broad backlash, prompting lawmakers from both parties to demand a halt. CBP later suspended the work, but that pause expired earlier this week. The administration says it is reconsidering its plans for the park, though it has not announced a final course of action.
Park advocates welcomed Friday’s decision while urging the administration to repair the damage already caused at Big Bend National Park and pursue alternatives to the proposed construction.
The injunction also applies to territory upriver and downriver from the national park, where CBP has proposed multiple border projects that would largely cross privately owned property.
The government has been seeking permission from landowners to conduct surveys and begin construction. In a recent court filing, however, officials said they were ready to send some unresolved cases to the Justice Department after failing to obtain consent.
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