Bipartisan rally held at Texas Capitol to oppose proposed border wall near Big Bend National Park
As the federal government continues plans to secure the Texas-Mexico border, both Republicans and Democrats don’t want the state’s largest park in to be altered.
AUSTIN, Texas — Texans from across the political spectrum gathered at the state capitol on Saturday to protest a proposed physical border wall being constructed near Big Bend National Park, raising concerns about environmental impacts and land use in one of the state’s most iconic areas.
The rally, held on the Texas State Capitol’s south steps and organized by the No Big Bend Wall Coalition, brought together political leaders, candidates and residents united in opposition to construction plans they say could disrupt the region’s landscape.
Former Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson criticized the idea of building a wall in the remote region, arguing that the natural terrain already serves as a barrier.
“We’re protesting the ridiculous idea of a physical steel wall where a wall already exists,” Patterson said. “It’s nature’s wall.”
Opposition to the project has drawn bipartisan support. Democratic Congressman Lloyd Doggett voiced frustration over what he described as shifting plans from federal officials.
“They keep talking about changing the plan and that it’s not going to really be a wall,” Doggett said. “It’s not going to disturb this or that. We just want them to leave the whole thing alone.”
Republican congressional candidate Brandon Herrera, who is running to represent the district that includes the park, also spoke at the rally, urging continued public pressure.
“There’s movement happening on it, and that means we are not done,” Herrera said. “We need to continue to make our voices heard, continue to make this a giant issue here in the district.”
According to information published by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, current plans emphasize the use of detection and surveillance technology in the Big Bend region rather than a continuous physical barrier. However, Patterson and other opponents argue that activity on the ground suggests otherwise.
“People are still getting demand letters from Customs and Border Patrol to turn over their property for access to build the wall,” Patterson said.
Protesters at the Texas Capitol carried signs calling on Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to intervene and halt any construction efforts in the area.
The debate comes as the Trump administration continues to evaluate how to expand border infrastructure along the Texas-Mexico border.
For many at the rally, the issue goes beyond politics. Opponents argue that preserving the natural integrity of Big Bend — the largest national park in Texas — should remain a priority, regardless of party affiliation.
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