The United States plans to repaint the entire border wall with black paint as a strategy to deter climbers, a decision attributed to former President Donald Trump, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The allocation of approximately $46 million for border wall enhancements was approved in a spending bill passed earlier this summer, which also focuses on tightening immigration policies through increased detentions and deportations.
Currently, construction progresses at a pace of half a mile a day along the nearly 2,000-mile border, reflecting the government's commitment to expanding its border security measures. Noem emphasized during a press briefing in New Mexico that the black paint would absorb heat, creating an inhospitable environment for those attempting to scale the structure.
Border Patrol has noted that these changes might also aid in reducing rust on the wall. In addition to repainting, the administration plans to develop "waterborne infrastructure" along the Rio Grande, a significant portion of the border, though further details on the initiative remain sparse. Texas has previously employed floating barriers and fortified riverbank security with assistance from local law enforcement.
Reports indicate a substantial decrease in undocumented border crossings, with arrests and detentions dropping sharply. The Trump administration claims these declines—recorded at approximately 4,600 in July—are due to their strict enforcement policies. Despite this assertion, concerns have been raised regarding the impact on migrants, particularly those with minor infractions being swept up in the enforcement measures.
Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that around 300,000 undocumented individuals have been detained since the beginning of the year. Officials maintain that prioritizing individuals with criminal records is at the forefront of the current immigration strategy, yet activists argue that the current approach disproportionately affects those with minimal legal issues. The administration continues to advocate that heightened border enforcement and mass deportations significantly contribute to the declining figures along the US-Mexico border.
