Feds filling gap$ in border wall

The Department of Homeland Security will use congressional funding to close unfinished construction gaps along the southern border wall and clean up construction sites in California, Arizona and Texas, but will not build any additional sections of the barrier.

On Monday, the department announced the money would be used to “address life, safety, environmental, and remediation requirements for border barrier projects” in the San Diego, El Centro, Yuma, Tucson, El Paso and Del Rio sectors.

President Biden ordered the end of border wall construction and the diversion of funds shortly after taking office. However, the order came down with several sections of the wall unfinished.

The DHS will close the gaps, add missing gates, guardrails and signage as well as address incomplete foundations and repair power for gates that have been hung but are inoperable. The department will also use the funds to install drainage to prevent flooding and install and finish erosion control and slope stabilization measures.

In order to complete the projects, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas authorized Customs and Border Protection to work alongside local land owners and state, local and tribal officials as well as federal agencies.

The DHS announcement closed with a call for Congress “to cancel remaining border wall funding and instead fund smarter border security measures that are proven to be more effective at improving safety and security at the border.”

The move represents a second partial restoration by the Biden administration of Trump-era policies.

The administration reinstated former President Donald Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” protocols.