San Antonio
AI Assisted Icon
Published on January 20, 2025
Val Verde County Sheriff Calls for Completion of Del Rio Border Wall to Enhance Community SafetySource: Wikipedia/U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Amidst the contentious debate on immigration and border security, Sheriff Joe Frank Martinez of Val Verde County has reignited the call for the completion of the border wall near Del Rio. This barrier, a legacy of agendas from three separate presidencies, has recently been spotlighted by local officials who argue for its necessity in maintaining community safety. FOX San Antonio reports that Martinez has dubbed the project the "multi-president wall," initiated during George W. Bush's tenure to steer migrants from urban centers to more manageable rural locales.

With its origins firmly placed in past administrations, the wall's most recent enhancements were spearheaded by Donald Trump. According to Martinez, construction began anew in June 2020 but saw an abrupt halt with the transition to a new presidential office, leaving significant gaps that undermine the structural integrity. Martinez cites instances of temporary panels, falling over, and chain-link fences climbed over, in a statement obtained by News 4 San Antonio. He emphasizes the importance of sealing the remaining 1.82 miles of the barrier for effective deterrence of illegal crossings.

Concurrently, the outgoing Chief of Border Patrol, Jason Owens has echoed Martinez's concerns. With a transition pending in April, Owens warns of the pressures faced by Border Patrol agents when confronting gaps in the wall. "Whenever gaps in the barrier exist, migrants can overwhelm Border Patrol trying to enter the U.S. illegally," Owens told News 4 San Antonio. His retirement does not mark an end to his commitment to public service as he intends to continue his work from his home in Del Rio.

With a fresh term for President Trump, who has long advocated for stronger border security measures, the completion of the Del Rio wall segment lingers in expectation. Local leaders anticipate shifts in priorities that may bring the long-stalled project to a close. "Completing this structure would make a tremendous difference in keeping our community safe," Martinez optimistically projected in an interview with FOX San Antonio. To delve deeper into the implications of border security in Del Rio, listeners can access the full conversation with Owens on the "Immigration Crisis: the Fight for the Southern Border" podcast, available on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube channels.