Kristi Noem says U.S. will paint Mexico border wall black in bid to make it hotter, harder to climb
New Homeland Security Secretary Announces Black Border Wall to Deter Illegal Immigration
The newly appointed U.S. Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem, made a bold announcement on Tuesday regarding the southern border wall with Mexico. Noem revealed plans to paint the entire border wall black, a decision she attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump. The purpose of painting the wall black is to make it hotter and serve as a deterrent to illegal immigration.
Noem made the announcement during a visit to a section of the wall in New Mexico, where she even took up a paint roller to assist with the painting process. Emphasizing the height and depth of the wall as effective barriers, Noem expressed confidence that the addition of black paint would further discourage individuals from attempting to cross the border.
“At the request of the president, we will be painting the entire southern border wall black. The heat-absorbing properties of black paint will make it even more challenging for individuals to climb over, reinforcing our message against illegal entry into our country,” Noem explained.
Accompanying Noem at the event, U.S. Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks highlighted that the black paint would also aid in preventing rust formation on the metal structure.
Funding Boost for Homeland Security
Despite a shift in focus towards mass deportations under the current administration, Congress recently allocated approximately $46 billion to Homeland Security for the completion of the border wall. Noem disclosed that significant progress has been made in constructing hundreds of meters of barrier daily.
“Each section of the border wall is tailored to the specific topography and geography of its location,” Noem stated. In addition to physical barriers, the department is also investing in water-borne infrastructure, particularly along the Rio Grande River in Texas.
While the Trump administration continues to push forward with the wall’s completion, the number of illegal border crossings has seen a significant decline.
