Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Border Security Along U.S. Borders Smart Wall FAQs President Trump’s January 20, 2025, Executive Orders titled, “Securing our Borders” and “Declaring a National Emergency at the Southern Border of the United States,” make clear that securing the borders of our Nation is a priority for this Administration. To achieve operational control of the border DHS must, consistent with existing law, build the physical infrastructure necessary to secure the southern border of the United States. Constructing and investing in infrastructure, technology and enforcement personnel to secure the Southwest border allows U.S. Customs and Border Protection to funnel illegal traffic, to include human smuggling and narcotics, through the ports of entry for identification, detection and a successful law enforcement resolution. Below are frequently asked questions and answers about CBP’s effort to construct a Smart Wall. Check out CBP’s Smart Wall Map for details on construction projects and the current status of border barriers across the Southwest border. Smart Wall FAQs Search General Questions What does the Smart Wall (border wall system) include? Today, the U.S. Border Patrol is constructing a “Smart Wall”, comprised of a steel bollard wall or waterborne barrier, along with roads, detection technology, cameras and lighting and in some cases a secondary wall – creating an enforcement zone. The Smart Wall provides the Border Patrol with both the impedance and denial, domain awareness and the access and mobility required to secure the border. How many Smart Wall Contracts have been awarded using funds from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act? U.S. Customs and Border Protection has awarded contracts to support all 34 Smart Wall projects using funds from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. These contracts support the construction of primary border wall system, secondary wall, and waterborne barrier in the U.S. Border Patrol’s San Diego, El Centro, Yuma, El Paso, Big Bend, Del Rio, Laredo, and Rio Grande Valley Sectors, along with detection technology, new and improved roads and limited, low-profile post-on-rail barriers in strategic areas in the Big Bend Sector, which will restrict unlawful vehicle access while levering the natural barriers that already exist in the region. The projects are outlined below: San Diego 1 Wall Project – On September 15, 2025, CBP awarded a contract to BCCG Joint Venture for the construction of approximately nine miles of primary border wall system and approximately 52 miles of detection technology, in areas where there is existing barrier, in the U.S. Border Patrol’s San Diego Sector in California. San Diego 2 Wall Project - On April 24, 2026, CBP awarded a contract to Fisher Sand & Gravel Co. to construct approximately 43 miles of secondary border wall located in the U.S. Border Patrol’s San Diego Sector in California. El Centro 1 Wall Project – On September 26, 2025, CBP awarded a contract to Fisher Sand & Gravel Co. for the construction of approximately nine miles of primary border wall system, approximately 37 miles of secondary wall, and the installation of approximately 63 miles of detection technology, in areas where there is existing barrier, in the U.S. Border Patrol’s El Centro and San Diego Sectors in California. El Centro 2 Wall Project - On May 4, 2026, CBP awarded a contract to Fisher Sand & Gravel Co. to construct approximately 34 miles of secondary border wall located in the U.S. Border Patrol’s El Centro Sector in California. Yuma 1 Wall Project – On September 19, 2025, CBP awarded a contract to Barnard Spencer Joint Venture for the construction of approximately 60 miles of detection technology, in areas where there is existing barrier, in the U.S. Border Patrol’s Yuma Sector in Arizona and California. Yuma 2 Wall Project – On December 23, 2025, CBP awarded a contract to Fisher Sand & Gravel Co. to construct approximately 31 miles of primary border wall system, approximately 52 miles of secondary wall, and approximately half a mile of waterborne barrier in the U.S. Border Patrol’s Yuma Sector in Arizona and in California. Tucson 1 Wall Project – On September 19, 2025, CBP awarded a contract to BCCG a Joint Venture for the construction of approximately 23 miles of secondary border wall and approximately 66 miles of detection technology, in areas where there is existing barrier, in the U.S. Border Patrol’s Tucson and Yuma Sectors in Arizona. Tucson 2 Wall Project – On December 16, 2025, CBP awarded a contract to Fisher Sand & Gravel Co. to construct approximately 21 miles of primary border wall system, approximately 91 miles of secondary border wall, and 135 miles of detection technology, in areas where there is existing barrier, in the U.S. Border Patrol’s Tucson Sector in Arizona. Tucson 3 Wall Project – On May 14, 2026, CBP awarded a contract to Fisher Sand & Gravel Co. to construct approximately 66 miles of secondary border wall in the U.S. Border Patrol’s Tucson Sector in Arizona. Tucson 4 Wall Project – On May 29, 2026, CBP awarded a contract to Sundt Construction to construct approximately 13 miles of primary border wall system and approximately 45 miles of secondary border wall in the U.S. Border Patrol’s Tucson Sector in Arizona. Tucson 5 Wall Project – On June 26, 2026, CBP awarded a contract to SLSCO LTD to construct approximately 62 miles of primary border wall system in the U.S. Border Patrol’s Tucson Sector in Arizona. El Paso 1 Wall Project – On September 15, 2025, CBP awarded a contract to BCCG a Joint Venture to construct approximately seven miles primary border wall system and approximately 22 miles of detection technology, in areas where there is existing barrier, in the U.S. Border Patrol’s El Paso Sector in New Mexico. El Paso 2 Wall Project – On September 19, 2025, CBP awarded a contract to Barnard Spencer Joint Venture for the construction of approximately 23 miles of new primary border wall system and approximately 67 miles of detection technology, in areas where there is existing barrier, in the U.S. Border Patrol’s El Paso Sector in New Mexico. El Paso 3 Wall Project – On September 24, 2025, CBP awarded a contract to BCCG Joint Venture for the construction of approximately 44 miles of new primary border wall system, approximately six miles of new secondary border wall, and approximately 42 miles of detection technology, in areas where there is existing barrier, in the U.S. Border Patrol’s El Paso Sector in Texas. El Paso 4 Wall Project – On January 6, 2026, CBP awarded a contract to Fisher Sand & Gravel Co. to construct approximately 49 miles of primary border wall system, approximately 60 miles of secondary wall, and approximately six miles of detection technology, in areas where there is existing barrier, in the U.S. Border Patrol’s El Paso Sector in New Mexico. El Paso 5 Wall Project - On April 24, 2026, CBP awarded a contract to Barnard Construction Company, Inc. to construct approximately 113 miles of secondary border wall in the U.S. Border Patrol’s El Paso Sector in New Mexico. Big Bend 1 Wall Project – On March 6, 2026, CBP awarded a contract to Barnard Construction Company, Inc. to construct approximately 47 miles of primary border wall system in the U.S. Border Patrol’s Big Bend Sector in Texas. Big Bend 2 Wall Project – On March 6, 2026, CBP awarded a contract to Fisher Sand & Gravel Co. to construct approximately 62 miles of primary border wall system in the U.S. Border Patrol’s Big Bend Sector in Texas. Big Bend 3 Wall Project – On March 6, 2026, CBP awarded a contract to Barnard Construction Company, Inc. to construct approximately 56 miles of primary border wall system in the U.S. Border Patrol’s Big Bend Sector in Texas. Big Bend 4 Project – On May 11, 2026, CBP awarded a contract to Southwest Valley Constructors Co. to construct approximately 17 miles of vehicle barrier system and an additional approximately 205 miles of system attributes, which will include a mix of patrol roads and/or technology, depending upon the location, in the U.S. Border Patrol’s Big Bend Sector in Texas. Big Bend 5 Project – On June 2, 2026, CBP awarded a contract to Fisher Sand & Gravel Co. to construct approximately 166 miles of vehicle barrier system within the U.S. Border Patrol’s Big Bend and Del Rio Sectors in Texas. Del Rio 1 Wall Project – On September 26, 2025, CBP awarded a contract to BCCG Joint Venture for the construction of approximately 22 miles of primary border wall system and approximately 40 miles of waterborne barrier in the U.S. Border Patrol’s Del Rio Sector in Texas. Del Rio 2 Wall Project – On September 25, 2025, CBP awarded a contract to BCCG Joint Venture for the construction of approximately seven miles of new primary border wall system, approximately 23 miles of waterborne barrier, and installation of approximately 10 miles of detection technology, in areas where there is existing barrier, in the U.S. Border Patrol’s Del Rio Sector in Texas. Del Rio 3 Wall Project – On November 21, 2025, CBP awarded a contract to SLSCO LTD for the construction of approximately 22 miles of primary border wall system and approximately 13 miles of detection technology, in areas where there is existing barrier, in the U.S. Border Patrol’s Del Rio Sector in Texas. Del Rio 4 Wall Project – On March 6, 2026, CBP awarded two contracts for this project: one to Barnard Construction Company, Inc. to construct approximately 32 miles of primary border wall system, and a second contract to Spencer Construction, LLC to construct approximately 36 miles of waterborne barrier in the U.S. Border Patrol’s Del Rio Sector in Texas. Laredo 1 Wall Project – On December 16, 2025, CBP awarded a contract to Fisher Sand & Gravel Co. for the construction of approximately 15 miles of primary border wall system and approximately 16 miles of waterborne barrier in the U.S. Border Patrol’s Laredo Sector in Texas.

Laredo 2 Wall Project – On December 16, 2025, CBP awarded two contracts for this project: one contract to SLSCO LTD to construct approximately 41 miles of primary border wall system, and a second contract to Fisher Sand & Gravel Co. to construct approximately 50 miles of waterborne barrier in the U.S. Border Patrol’s Laredo Sector in Texas. Laredo 3 Wall Project – On March 6, 2026, CBP awarded two contracts for this project: one to Southwest Valley Constructors to construct approximately 25 miles of primary border wall system in USBP’s Laredo Sector in Zapata County, Texas, and a second contract to Spencer Construction, LLC to construct approximately 56 miles of waterborne barrier in the U.S. Border Patrol’s Laredo and Rio Grande Valley Sectors in Texas. Laredo 4 Wall Project – On March 9, 2026, CBP awarded a contract to Granite Construction Company to construct approximately 27 miles of primary border wall system in USBP’s Laredo Sector in Webb and Zapata Counties, Texas. Rio Grande Valley Waterborne Barrier Project – On September 27, 2025, CBP awarded a contract to BCCG Joint Venture for the construction of approximately 17 miles of waterborne barrier in the U.S. Border Patrol’s Rio Grande Valley Sector in Texas. Rio Grande Valley 1 Wall Project – On January 27, 2026, CBP awarded two contracts for this project: one contract to Barnard Construction Co. to construct approximately 10 miles of primary border wall system, and a second contract to Spencer Construction LLC to construct approximately 59 miles of waterborne barrier in the U.S. Border Patrol’s Rio Grande Valley Sector in Texas. Rio Grande Valley 2 Wall Project – On March 6, 2026, CBP awarded a contract to Spencer Construction, LLC to construct approximately 109 miles of waterborne barrier in the U.S. Border Patrol USBP’s Rio Grande Valley Sector in Texas. Rio Grande Valley 3 Wall Project – On March 6, 2026, CBP awarded a contract to Cochrane USA, Inc. to construct approximately 126 miles of waterborne barrier in the U.S. Border Patrol’s Rio Grande Valley Sector in Texas. Rio Grande Valley 4 Wall Project – On March 18, 2026, CBP awarded a contract to Spencer Construction, LLC to construct approximately 33 miles of primary border wall system and approximately 3 miles of detection technology, in areas where there is existing barrier, in the U.S. Border Patrol’s Rio Grande Valley Sector in Texas. What is the purpose of the Smart Wall? The primary goal of a Smart Wall, which includes a combination of primary and secondary steel bollard wall, waterborne barriers, patrol roads, and technology, is to gain operational control of the border. These border barriers are intended to provide persistent impedance and denial to illegal cross-border activity. While anchored by the border barrier and the impedance and denial capability it brings, the Smart Wall’s complementary investments in roads, lighting and technology address domain awareness and access and mobility requirements of Border Patrol agents. Are border barriers the only approach CBP is using to help secure the Southwest border? CBP utilizes a comprehensive approach to border security that leverages local, state, and federal law enforcement partners and use of technology, infrastructure, and enforcement personnel to secure the Southwest border. The Smart Wall is one element of CBP’s approach to border security. How does USBP decide where to construct border barriers? U.S. Border Patrol’s requirements to achieve operational control of the border determine the locations and priority for new and replacement Smart Wall. These decisions are also influenced by geographic characteristics along the border, procurement timelines, funding, and other programmatic requirements. What is the length of the Southwest border? The length of the Southwest border with Mexico is approximately 1,954 miles. What types of border wall exist along the Southwest border? The current types of border barrier along the Southwest border include 18–30-foot steel bollard wall, legacy pedestrian fencing (chain link, picket or mesh), concrete levee wall with steel bollards and temporary barriers (concertina wire, razor wire, chain link fence and “Normandy” style vehicle barriers). How is technology incorporated into the Smart Wall? The design for Smart Wall includes the use of technology, anchored by a steel bollard wall or waterborne barrier, along with roads. Barriers are most effective when combined with detection technology, lighting, and cameras creating a “Smart Wall”. The Smart Wall provides the Border Patrol with both the impedance and denial, domain awareness and the access and mobility required to secure the border. Waterborne Barrier What do waterborne barriers look like? Does USBP have any on the border now? CBP’s waterborne barriers are 12-15-foot cylindrical floating buoys, approximately 4 to 5-foot in diameter that are linked together, to create a barrier in riverine locations. Check out CBP’s Smart Wall Map for locations of where waterborne barrier is planned for deployment by USBP. What are the operational benefits of waterborne barriers? Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) commonly exploit the lack of impedance along the waterways to facilitate the smuggling of people and illegal narcotics into the United States. Waterborne barriers provide effective impedance and denial capabilities that enhance the natural barriers and compliment land based, steel bollard border wall systems nearby. These barriers can also provide agents additional time to respond and interdict illegal entries while simultaneously allowing further opportunity to leverage assistance from key stakeholders, such as the Government of Mexico. What is a waiver? The Secretary’s waiver authority allows DHS to waive certain environmental laws to ensure the expeditious construction of physical barriers, by minimizing the risk of administrative delays. Projects executed under a waiver are critical steps to secure the southern border and reinforce our commitment to border security. What gives the Secretary authority to issue a waiver? The Secretary’s waiver authority is derived from Section 102(c) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, as amended (“IIRIRA”), an authority granted to the Secretary by Congress. Utilizing the authority provided by Congress, the Secretary’s waiver minimizes the risk of project delays and, in turn, puts DHS in a better position to continue to progress towards a secure southern border. What laws are being waived? The waiver includes various environmental, natural resource, and land management laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act. For a full list of covered laws, please consult the published waiver/s, which are publicly available on the Federal Register and include the complete list of laws. Does the waiver address the laws or processes concerning acquisition of private property? No, the waiver does not impact the process required for the acquisition of private property. Additional Information Why is CBP painting the border wall black? In certain locations, CBP will be utilizing black paint as an attribute for Smart wall construction. This paint is commonly used on surfaces that are exposed to corrosive environments, such as the desert, and has operational and maintenance benefits. How is CBP addressing road improvements along the border in the Big Bend Sector to support agent access, and what steps are being taken to coordinate with local and state authorities during construction? Where roads are included in the project within the Big Bend Sector, CBP will improve existing public and park roads where possible to maintain agent access along the border. Improvements will include all-weather roads in some areas and paved roads where needed for drainage and erosion control. CBP is working with local officials and the National Park Service to identify the design requirements and will continue to coordinate throughout construction to minimize impacts while still meeting USBP’s operational needs.