Trump Launches Ambitious Arizona Border Wall Project

By Staff Reporter |

The Trump administration revealed its plans over the weekend to resume construction of the border wall in Arizona. This initiative forms part of a broader strategy aimed at reversing the prior administration’s open border policies.

On Sunday, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem announced the intent to build seven miles of border wall in areas currently lacking any barrier along the Arizona border. “As of today, we’re starting seven new miles of construction,” stated Noem, emphasizing a commitment to enhancing national safety.

Throughout his administration, former President Joe Biden largely adhered to his promise of ceasing border wall construction. His administration sold off materials needed to complete the remaining sections of the wall, with profits from these sales going to the Pentagon.

A federal court ruled against Biden’s efforts earlier this year, stating that the administration could not sell off significant portions of the border wall prior to Trump’s return to office. Under Biden, there were over 8.8 million Southwest border encounters.

Interestingly, shortly before Trump’s election last November, these encounters began to decline significantly. Reports showed a substantial drop: 61 percent from November 2023 to the following November, 68 percent from December 2023 to the next December, and a 65 percent reduction from January 2023 to January 2024. Recently, during Trump’s initial month back in office, border encounters plummeted further, reaching low five-digit figures.

Statistical analysis reveals border encounters fell by 93 percent from February 2024 totals compared to previous Februarys in 2023, 2022, and 2021.

In a separate development, last week Customs and Border Protection (CBP) launched the “CBP Home” mobile application. This free tool allows users to inform the government of their intent to leave the country, check wait times at legal entry points, apply for provisional I-94 entry, and manage agricultural inspections.

The following day, Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to expedite deportations, particularly targeting the foreign terrorist organization Tren de Aragua. His proclamation characterized the group as undertaking hostile actions against the United States, thereby allowing for immediate apprehensions and removals of undocumented individuals linked to the organization.

“As President of the United States and Commander in Chief, it is my solemn duty to protect the American people from the devastating effects of this invasion,” read the proclamation. Trump later defended this claim, asserting that Biden’s policies had created a crisis he labeled an “invasion,” which necessitated urgent action.