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Del Rio Today
By the People, for the People
Noem Approved $1B Border Wall Contract for Firm Accused of Migrant Smuggling
The Texas construction company SLSCO Ltd. was previously accused in court of smuggling migrants into the U.S. and arming them for shootouts.
Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:39pm
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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem signed off on a $1 billion contract for SLSCO Ltd., a Texas construction company, to build sections of the border wall near Del Rio and Laredo, Texas. However, the company was previously accused in court of smuggling migrants into the country and arming them to act as guards, leading to a shootout with another group of migrants.
Why it matters
This case raises concerns about the vetting process for government contracts, as well as the potential for corruption and unethical practices within the immigration enforcement system. It also highlights the ongoing debate around border security and the use of private companies in carrying out immigration policies.
The details
According to the Daily Beast report, SLSCO Ltd. was accused in a lawsuit of smuggling migrants from Mexico into the U.S. to work as guards for the company's construction sites. The lawsuit claimed that these armed migrant workers were involved in a shootout with another group of migrants who had allegedly snuck into the country to steal from the construction sites.
- The alleged incident involving the armed migrant workers and the shootout occurred in July of an unspecified year.
- Noem, the first cabinet secretary to be fired from the MAGA administration, personally approved the new $1 billion contract for SLSCO Ltd. in 2026.
The players
Kristi Noem
The Homeland Security Secretary who approved the $1 billion contract for SLSCO Ltd. to build sections of the border wall.
SLSCO Ltd.
A Texas construction company that was previously accused in court of smuggling migrants into the United States and arming them to act as guards, leading to a shootout with another group of migrants.
What’s next
The lawsuit involving the alleged migrant smuggling and armed confrontation was voluntarily dismissed before reaching trial, so it remains to be seen if any further legal action or investigation will be taken regarding SLSCO Ltd.'s past practices.
The takeaway
This case highlights the need for thorough vetting and oversight of government contractors, especially those involved in sensitive areas like border security and immigration enforcement, to ensure ethical practices and protect public safety.
