Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stands at the edge of an existing border wall, announcing significant changes to border security infrastructure.
According to Fox News, the Department of Homeland Security has awarded a $70 million contract to Granite Construction Co. for constructing seven miles of new border wall in Arizona's Rio Grande Valley Sector.
The announcement marks the first border wall construction contract of President Donald Trump's second term, signaling a renewed focus on border security infrastructure. The construction project will be funded using U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Fiscal Year 2021 allocated budget, as confirmed by DHS officials.
DHS Secretary Noem made the announcement through a video posted on her X social media account, where she appeared wearing CBP attire at the border location. The construction site represents a strategic point where the existing border wall currently terminates, highlighting the administration's commitment to expanding border security measures.
The new construction project stands in stark contrast to the previous administration's approach. When President Joe Biden took office, he immediately halted all border wall construction along the U.S.-Mexico border, though he later permitted approximately 20 miles of barrier construction in South Texas using funds appropriated during Trump's first term.
During Trump's initial presidency, CBP data shows significant progress in border infrastructure development. The administration completed approximately 458 miles of primary and secondary barriers, which included both new construction and the replacement of deteriorating existing structures.
Vice President JD Vance recently shared the administration's comprehensive vision for border security during his visit to the Texas border. Speaking to reporters, Vance revealed the administration's ambitious plans.
Vance emphasized the importance of combining physical barriers with technological solutions. He specifically mentioned the potential integration of artificial intelligence-enabled technologies to enhance border security measures. According to Vance's statement during a press conference, the administration aims to construct border wall infrastructure across the entire southern border by the end of Trump's term in 2029.
Recent border security data indicates significant changes in illegal border crossing patterns. According to reports referenced by Fox News' Bill Melugin, there has been a dramatic reduction in successful illegal crossings, known as "gotaways."
Current surveillance data shows border agents now detect an average of 77 "gotaways" per day, representing a substantial decrease from previous numbers. During the peak of the immigration crisis under the Biden administration, daily "gotaway" numbers reached approximately 1,800.
These statistics suggest the effectiveness of the Trump administration's renewed border security approach, showing a reported 90% reduction in successful illegal crossings based on camera and surveillance data.
Secretary Noem showcased the administration's direct approach to border security with her on-site announcement. As she stated during her border visit:
Everybody, I'm here in Arizona, and right at this spot, you can see where the border wall ends. As of today, we're starting 7 new miles of construction, we're going to continue to make America safe again.
The Department of Homeland Security's new border wall construction project represents the Trump administration's renewed commitment to enhancing southern border security infrastructure. The $70 million contract awarded to Granite Construction Co. will add seven miles of new wall in Arizona's Rio Grande Valley Sector, marking the first such project of Trump's second term. This development comes as border security metrics show significant improvements, with illegal crossing attempts reportedly decreasing by 90% compared to previous years.
