President Trump’s vision for border security is coming to fruition with bold, decisive action. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), under Secretary Kristi Noem, is set to construct 17 miles of an innovative floating border barrier in the Texas Rio Grande Valley. This is not just infrastructure; this is a critical line of defense against illegal immigration.
Secretary Noem has signed a decisive waiver that eliminates environmental roadblocks, ensuring the project moves forward without unnecessary delays. This floating barrier will be strategically placed in Cameron County, Texas, within a key sector patrolled by the U.S. Border Patrol. With funding secured before the end of Fiscal Year 2025, this initiative demonstrates our unwavering commitment to border security.
This waterborne barrier is not experimental. It builds on successful projects like Governor Abbott’s buoy barriers installed in Eagle Pass, Texas. While a vocal minority of open-border activists staged protests, the overwhelming majority supports strong measures to secure our borders. Any dissent from the critics only underscores the need for these protective measures.
Legal challenges from the Biden administration attempted to stall Abbott’s buoy project, but those efforts were swiftly thwarted. A critical appeals court decision allowed the floating barriers to remain in place, reaffirming Texas’s right to self-defense against unlawful incursions.
DHS now takes this concept further, marking the first time the Trump administration will deploy a water-borne barrier. This initiative is a proactive response to the alarming levels of drug smuggling, human trafficking, and other criminal activities that plague our border waterways. Enhanced border security not only protects our communities but also empowers law enforcement agents patrolling these perilous waters.
Make no mistake; this project is a significant step toward a safer, more secure nation. The commitment to bolstering our border infrastructure sends a clear message: we will not tolerate illegal crossings or the chaos that comes with them. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem’s leadership, we are taking back control of our borders, ensuring the safety of American families.
Randy Clark is a 32-year veteran of the United States Border Patrol and previously served as Division Chief for Law Enforcement Operations. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @RandyClarkBBTX.
