Big Bend National Park, along with its adjacent regions, has long been cherished by Texans across generations. However, plans by the Trump administration to construct a border barrier through this iconic park have ignited a wave of bipartisan discontent, bringing together ranchers, environmentalists, and politicians from both major political parties.
Last week, Rodney Scott, the Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, declared a halt to any construction activities and traveled to the area to address local apprehensions. During his visit, State Senator César Blanco, a Democrat from El Paso, participated in discussions aimed at finding a balance between border security and the preservation of natural parks.
Blanco, alongside Texas Tribune politics reporter Alejandro Serrano, delved into the ongoing conflict over the border barrier in West Texas during a recent episode of the TribCast.
For those interested, the video can be viewed above, or you can subscribe to the TribCast on platforms such as iTunes, Spotify, or RSS. New episodes are released every Tuesday.
Additionally, attendees can take advantage of a limited-time offer to save $81 on general admission tickets for The Texas Tribune Festival, scheduled for September 24–26 in downtown Austin. Note that ticket prices will increase after midnight on Friday, August 28, so securing your tickets today is advisable.
TribFest 2026 is sponsored by JPMorgan Chase.
For further insights from our reporters, consider adding the Tribune to your Google search results, making it easier to find our reporting when you search online.
As a reminder, you have read several articles this month, and you are entitled to unlimited free access since there is no paywall in place.
Independent journalism in Texas relies on community support. The Texas Tribune is committed to delivering factual journalism tailored for Texans, supported by our dedicated members. Contributions from readers make our work feasible. Consider supporting our nonprofit newsroom with a donation of any amount to help us continue our mission.
Texans deserve accurate information. Join us in our efforts to provide it.
