Redford Landowners Fight Federal Eminent Domain for Border Wall

In Redford, Texas, the federal government is pursuing eminent domain to acquire land for border wall construction, an effort that has drawn opposition from local landowners, elected officials, and conservationists. The planned 175 miles of barriers include steel fencing, patrol roads, and surveillance equipment.

Local Voices Speak Out

"The wall would affect his family's heritage and the local tourism economy."
— Joe Pineda, landowner in Redford

"Resources would be better spent on manpower and monitoring rather than barriers."
— Brewster County Sheriff Ronny Dodson

Hudspeth County Judge Joanna Mackenzie questioned the cost, noting that a single mile of barrier costs over $17 million.

Wildlife biologist Raymond Skiles described the potential impact on the landscape as akin to "taking a knife to the Mona Lisa."

The Big Bend Context

• The Big Bend region of West Texas is characterized by rugged terrain and has historically seen fewer border crossings.
• In the first three months of 2025, Customs and Border Protection's Big Bend Sector reported 498 apprehensions — a fraction of those in busier sectors.
• CBP stated it will try to minimize environmental impacts where possible and has dropped plans for tall fencing in Big Bend National Park, now planning only vehicle barriers and patrol roads.

Environmental and Cultural Concerns

The planned barriers have raised concerns about:

• Environmental damage to the fragile desert landscape
• Threats to Indigenous sites and cultural heritage
• Disruption of dark skies — a key feature of the remote region
• Harm to wildlife, including black bears and bighorn sheep

In short: A deeply contested federal project, facing resistance on economic, environmental, and cultural grounds, moves forward in one of the most remote stretches of the U.S.-Mexico border.