West Texas Residents Sue Over Big Bend Border Wall Plans

Lawsuit argues Trump administration's efforts to bypass environmental laws to build a border barrier in the Big Bend area are illegal.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:36pm

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A tranquil oil painting of a solitary kayak floating on the Rio Grande, with the rugged canyon walls and warm sunlight creating a nostalgic, cinematic atmosphere.The serene Rio Grande corridor in the Big Bend region faces an uncertain future as the Trump administration pushes to build a border wall through this iconic landscape.El Paso Today

West Texas residents, including a professional river guide, have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for its plans to build a border barrier in the Big Bend area along the Rio Grande. The lawsuit argues the administration is illegally bypassing environmental laws and that a border wall would 'destroy iconic sections of the Rio Grande corridor' and 'wipe out our way of life'.

Why it matters

The Big Bend region is known for its rugged, scenic landscape and has historically seen low levels of illegal border crossings. Local residents and law enforcement officials argue the federal government should listen to community needs rather than unilaterally building a border wall that would harm the local economy and environment.

The details

The lawsuit was filed by advocacy groups and a West Texas resident, Danny William Miller, Jr., a professional river guide from Terlingua. They argue the Trump administration needs Congressional approval to proceed with its plan, as the efforts to build a barrier have 'vast economic and political significance.' The lawsuit says bypassing environmental laws to build a barrier along the Rio Grande violates the 'major questions doctrine,' which requires White House approval from Congress for sweeping economic actions.

  • In February 2026, the Trump administration waived over two dozen environmental laws to clear the way for a 150-mile-long border barrier through West Texas, including Big Bend National Park and the adjoining state park.
  • As of April 16, 2026, a map on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website no longer indicates a border wall will be constructed in the Big Bend region.

The players

Danny William Miller, Jr.

A professional river guide and Terlingua resident who is one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

Trump administration

The current presidential administration that is pursuing plans to build a border barrier in the Big Bend area.

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What they’re saying

“I've spent more than two decades guiding on the river, and if a border wall cuts off access, that's the end of my career. No one comes to Big Bend to see steel walls and razor wire. If they build this, they're not just destroying a landscape, they're wiping out our way of life.”

— Danny William Miller, Jr., Professional river guide and Terlingua resident

“While we fully support thoughtful, effective approaches to border safety, building a permanent wall in this unique landscape does nothing to solve local realities. The rugged terrain, steep canyons, and the Rio Grande itself already serve as natural deterrents and have for generations.”

— Advocacy group

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to grant an injunction to halt the Trump administration's border wall plans in the Big Bend area.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing tensions between the federal government's border security agenda and the concerns of local communities in Texas who argue that a border wall would devastate the environment, economy, and way of life in the Big Bend region.