President Donald Trump’s administration has taken its first major step in resuming border wall construction — awarding a $70 million contract to a private company to build a new stretch of barrier in Texas. The move comes as illegal crossings have dropped to historic lows since Trump returned to office.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) awarded the contract to Granite Construction Co. — tasking the firm with constructing seven miles of new wall in Hidalgo County, Texas. The Rio Grande Valley sector, where the new wall will be placed, has long been a major entry point for illegal migrants and smugglers.
🚨BREAKING: Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announces 7 MORE MILES of border wall is being built starting today.
pic.twitter.com/TTukbg9blz— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) March 16, 2025
The areas being secured were originally scheduled for completion during Trump’s first term — but work was halted under President Joe Biden. CBP stated that the Biden administration’s decision to cancel contracts left the border exposed in key locations — making them prime targets for illegal crossings.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem traveled to the border over the weekend to highlight the renewed push for border security. Speaking in front of an unfinished section — she announced, “As of today, we’re starting seven new miles of construction.”
Illegal border crossings have reportedly dropped by 95% since Trump took office in January. The administration attributes the decline to tougher enforcement — the reinstatement of key policies and the continuation of the border wall project.
Vice President J.D. Vance, along with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, has also visited the border to review security efforts. Vance confirmed that the administration intends to complete the entire wall — reinforcing the commitment Trump made to voters.
Under Trump’s first term, 450 miles of border wall were built before Biden ordered a halt to construction. Legal challenges followed — with Missouri and Texas successfully suing the Biden administration to restore $1.4 billion in border security funding.
The latest contract signals the administration’s aggressive approach to border security — with more projects expected to follow in the coming months.
