Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem announces new border wall construction
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem recently announced the commencement of the construction of seven new miles of border wall in Arizona. This initiative is part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to enhance national security and “make America safe again.”
In a brief video posted on her official X account, Noem revealed that the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) has awarded a contract to Granite Construction Co. worth over $70 million. This contract will facilitate the construction of seven miles of border wall in the Rio Grande Valley Sector. The funding for this project will be sourced from CBP’s Fiscal Year 2021 budget allocation.
Standing along the border in Arizona, Noem emphasized the importance of continuing to fortify the border wall to safeguard the nation. She expressed her commitment to enhancing security measures and reiterated the administration’s dedication to protecting the country.
The construction of the new border wall segment marks the resumption of border wall development along the southern border during the second term of President Donald Trump. Despite attempts by former President Joe Biden to halt border wall construction, progress continues under the current administration.
During Trump’s first term, approximately 458 miles of primary and secondary barriers were constructed, including the replacement of deteriorating sections of the existing wall. The administration’s goal is to extend the border wall across every mile of the southern border by the end of Trump’s term in 2029.
Vice President JD Vance highlighted the importance of combining physical structures like the border wall with advanced technological solutions to enhance border security. He emphasized the significance of leveraging artificial intelligence-enabled technologies to strengthen border protection measures.
The implementation of the border wall has contributed to a significant reduction in illegal migrant “gotaways.” Surveillance methods have reported a decrease of up to 90% in successful illegal crossings since Trump took office. Border agents have observed a decline in the average number of “gotaways” per day, signaling improved border security measures.
As efforts to enhance border security continue, the construction of additional miles of border wall in Arizona signifies the administration’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s borders and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
