Big Bend Residents Resist Trump's Border Wall Plans

Even Republican voters in Texas oppose a 30-foot steel barrier through the scenic region

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:10am

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A cinematic painting of a solitary cactus silhouetted against a warm, golden sunset, capturing the serene yet rugged beauty of the Big Bend region in Texas.The majestic landscapes of the Big Bend region face an uncertain future as residents resist plans for a border wall that could disrupt the area's delicate ecosystem and thriving tourism industry.El Paso Today

Residents across party lines in the Big Bend region of Texas are voicing strong opposition to the Trump administration's plans for a new border wall, arguing it would disrupt communities and threaten a beloved area along the Rio Grande. Despite the president's promises, locals say neither Democrats nor Republicans want the wall in their backyard.

Why it matters

The Big Bend region is known for its majestic natural landscapes and thriving tourism industry. Locals fear a border wall would damage the environment, disrupt wildlife, and devastate the local economy that relies on visitors drawn to the area's scenic beauty.

The details

The Trump administration has signaled plans to build a 30-foot steel barrier through much of the Big Bend sector, which covers 517 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border. However, Border Patrol agents and local officials say the region's natural geography already serves as an effective deterrent to illegal crossings, with the sector accounting for just 1% of all border apprehensions in 2025. Residents are concerned about the wall's impact on the environment, including disrupting wildlife migration and damaging the area's renowned dark night skies.

  • In February 2026, contractors began showing up in the region and landowners started receiving eminent domain notices.
  • Last year, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, allocating over $45 billion for border barrier construction.

The players

Bill Ivey

Owner of the Starlight Theater restaurant and a three-time Trump voter who opposes the border wall.

Anna Claire Beasley

A wedding photographer who is concerned about the wall's impact on the region's tourism and night sky.

Denise Carrera

A Presidio, Texas native who returned home to enjoy the area's dark night skies, which she fears could be disrupted by the border wall construction.

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What they’re saying

“Do Democrats want the wall or do Republicans want the wall? I hadn't found either side that wants a wall. So it's a unified consensus. And I mean, I would say best I can tell from people I've talked to, 99.9%. I haven't found anybody yet that wants a wall down here.”

— Bill Ivey, Restaurant owner

“Well, what I've said is that there's not a crisis right now, but there will be if this wall is built. And if this goes through without them consulting with local law enforcement and taking a really informed approach and listening to local voices because yeah, there's just so many what ifs. Are they going to be building roads throughout the park for this detection technology? What is that dust going to do to our night sky, which is one of the main reasons that people come here. I do a lot of astrophotography. That's something couples get so excited about. What happens when that's gone?”

— Anna Claire Beasley, Wedding photographer

“I'd say, 'Get in the car, let's go look around.' That's what I'd tell the president, 'Come on, let's go look around. I want to show you something.' And hopefully Air Force One would fly over and they could look out windows on both sides of that plane and you're going to see nothing but mountains and desolate desert and country that you can't walk through. So the other thing I would say, 'Use your common sense.' I mean, this is not a political thing. It's common sense.”

— Bill Ivey, Restaurant owner

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.