Staff Reports
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is getting her hands dirty and cutting through the bureaucratic red tape that has hindered the construction of President Trump’s border wall in California. In a bold move, she waived a whole slew of environmental protection laws that many would argue have become more cumbersome than helpful in this scenario. Gone are the days when the Endangered Species Act or the Clean Water Act could single-handedly delay border security measures.
To put it simply, Noem has put her foot down, declaring an “acute and immediate need” for physical barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border to keep out unlawful entries. Those pesky environmental regulations, which often seem more like a roadblock than a roadmap, have been put on the backburner. Lawmakers have been eyeing waivers like these for years, and while it may raise eyebrows among opposition groups, it’s worth noting that this isn’t a first for either party. During Trump’s first term, these waivers became a staple, and even Biden had to crack open that toolbox when it came time to get something done.
Critics are predictably reacting with dramatic flair, claiming that this waiver is a “cynical attack” on not just border communities but also the beloved wildlife that wanders freely across the landscape. Apparently, in the eyes of some, wildlife should roam freely while human security takes a backseat. The Center for Biological Diversity is shedding tears for the critters who might find their migratory routes blocked by the new construction. Yet, one has to wonder if these advocates would be more concerned about human safety if they lived in the areas most affected by border violations.
DHS waives Endangered Species Act, Clean Air Act to speed border wall constructionhttps://t.co/VC31Ra8sC1 pic.twitter.com/JE7odzRQUL
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) April 8, 2025
This new waiver covers a stretch of about 10 miles, much of which will involve bolstering existing fences or adding extra layers. There is, of course, a segment where no barrier currently exists — surprising, considering how long this wall saga has been ongoing. More than 450 miles of fencing stood tall during Trump’s presidency, yet it seems it’s still not enough to satisfy the critics who would rather prioritize a deer’s migratory path over the safety of American citizens.
As the Biden administration prides itself on the halting of border wall construction on day one, it seems they learned that stopping progress isn’t quite as easy as it sounds. Congress remained steadfast with funding in place, forcing some degree of construction to continue, albeit at a snail’s pace meant to appease activists. In the desperate race between securing the border and protecting a few wayward critters, it appears that Noem has chosen the former… a decision that aligns with the majority of Americans who value security over sentimentality.
