The Department of Homeland Security has issued a waiver to expedite the construction of a new section of the border wall in California, as announced by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. This move is part of the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to strengthen border security, citing the need for "full operational control", as per the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The waiver, which was published in the Federal Register yesterday, skips over environmental laws and typically lengthy bureaucratic processes to fast-track approximately 2.5 miles of new barrier construction. These laws include, but are not limited to, the National Environmental Policy Act, which often delays projects by several months, if not years. Secretary Noem stated this action reinforces the administration's commitment to national security and the rule of law.
Specifically, the waiver greenlights the construction of three projects funded by U.S. Customs and Border Protection's appropriations for fiscal years 2020 and 2021. These projects are identified as the SDC Jacumba Gap Wall Project, which extends roughly two miles; the SDC Smugglers Gulch Wall Project, which spans around 350 feet; and the SDC 4 Wall Project, which includes two segments measuring approximately 600 feet and 1,500 feet, respectively.
According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, these construction efforts aim to close significant gaps in the existing border barriers within the San Diego Sector. This decision was made under Section 102 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, enabling DHS to act swiftly in implementing these border security measures.
