Noem Waives Environmental Restrictions to Fast-Track Water Barriers in Rio Grande

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has waived federal environmental laws to fast-track construction of 17 miles of waterborne barriers in the Rio Grande in South Texas, citing the need to address security gaps that have enabled various types of illegal activity. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in a July 3 press release that waterways along the Southwest border have been identified as a significant “capability gap” in border enforcement efforts—a key Trump administration priority. “In a continuing effort to gain and maintain operational control of the Southern border, and in support of the President’s Executive Orders, CBP [U.S. Customs and Border Protection] continues to look for innovative ways to achieve this mission,” DHS said. “A capability gap has been identified in waterways along the Southwest border where drug smuggling, human trafficking and other dangerous and illegal activity occurs.”...