On October 10, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of the United States announced that the federal government has awarded 10 construction contracts totaling $4.5 billion to add 230 miles (approximately 370 kilometers) of border barrier in the southwest border of the United States.
This large-scale construction project aims to fulfill the Trump administration’s core commitment to border security.
According to the DHS statement, these contracts will be used to expand the border security system known as the “Smart Wall”. The Smart Wall promoted by the Trump administration involves not only physical barriers but also emphasizes deep integration of infrastructure and high technology.
The border wall system includes 18 to 30 feet high steel barriers, water barriers, as well as newly constructed or improved all-weather patrol roads, equipped with lighting equipment, high-tech cameras, and advanced sensors.
Rodney Scott, Commissioner of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), stated in the announcement: “Smart Wall means more barriers, more technology, and increased capabilities for our frontline law enforcement officers. This is how we regain control of the border.”
The Trump administration firmly believes that physical barriers are a crucial tool in effectively preventing illegal border crossings. The border wall aims to hinder and deter activities of illegal border crossers, drug trafficking groups, and human smuggling organizations by establishing physical obstacles.
By complementing the capabilities of technology and barriers, border agents can detect and respond to illegal activities faster, achieving border security through a combination of personnel, technology, and infrastructure.
In an executive order issued earlier this year, President Trump declared the mass immigration crisis at the southern border as a national emergency, vowing to protect the American people from invasion.
Government data indicates that as of 2022, approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants reside in the United States. Data from the Migration Policy Institute suggests that this number may have risen to 14 million people.
To ensure the rapid progress of the project, DHS Secretary Kristin Noem issued two waivers: one for a 9-mile Smart Wall in the San Diego sector of the CBP, and another for about 30 miles of border wall within the El Paso sector of New Mexico.
The waivers were issued to “reduce red tape and expedite construction of the Smart Wall”.
It is currently unclear why these waivers were necessary.
The DHS confirmed that the Secretary’s waiver authority allows bypassing any legal requirements, including environmental laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which has been a measure taken in the past to speed up construction projects. Secretary Noem has previously signed similar waivers multiple times.
Regarding the funding, the foundation of these contracts is from the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act, H.R. 1”, signed by the President in July of this year, which allocated $46.5 billion for the construction of the border barrier system.
In terms of contract details, 7 out of the 10 contracts were awarded to the BCCG Joint Venture in September.
(Reference: Reuters)