Related videos:
The Department of Homeland Security of the United States (DHS) issued a legal waiver to allow the immediate construction of approximately 2.5 miles of border barrier in the San Diego sector of California.
According to an official statement published on April 8 on the website of the Customs and Border Protection (CBP), DHS Secretary Kristi Noem signed the waiver acting under executive orders from President Donald Trump. This is the first waiver issued under the current administration and aims to expedite the execution of projects by suspending environmental laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which —according to the DHS— can delay projects “for months or even years.”
The projects included in this measure are the Jacumba Gap Wall Project, which involves approximately two miles of construction; the Smugglers Gulch Wall Project, with about 350 feet; and the SDC 4 Wall Project, which comprises sections of 600 and 1,500 feet. All of these are funded by CBP allocations from fiscal years 2020 and 2021.
"This exemption paves the way for the rapid deployment of physical barriers where they are most needed, reinforcing our commitment to national security and the rule of law," stated the official DHS announcement, released through the CBP portal.
The official CBP account on the social network X shared the decision with a message stating: "Secretary Noem and DHS issued a waiver to expedite the construction of the wall in the San Diego sector, in compliance with the president's orders. This is part of the effort to achieve greater security and control at our southern border."
Since his return to the presidency in January 2025, Donald Trump has reiterated his commitment to expanding the border wall, one of the cornerstones of his immigration agenda. Just a week after taking office, work officially resumed in the El Paso, Texas area.
In December 2024, during a press conference from Mar-a-Lago, Trump had already announced his intention to resume the project despite rising costs. “It’s a very expensive process, a very costly wall,” he stated, emphasizing that the new wall would include more durable materials such as reinforced steel and concrete. “I will finish the wall, which I have largely already built,” he asserted on that occasion.
In parallel with construction, the Trump administration has also reinforced military presence at the border. In early February, U.S. Marines installed barbed wire along the border wall in the San Diego area of California, near the San Ysidro international port. According to the Department of Defense, the deployment included members of the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion of the 1st Marine Division, bringing the number of active personnel engaged in logistical support and patrol duties along the border to nearly 4,000.
The issuance of the exemption comes amid a general tightening of immigration policy. This Tuesday, DHS began sending departure notifications to migrants who entered the U.S. through the CBP One application. Authorities announced the cancellation of their stay permits (paroles) and ordered their immediate departure, warning of civil and criminal penalties in case of non-compliance.
This decision is part of a broader policy by the Republican government that has included the end of humanitarian parole for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, as well as the elimination of the CBP One program and the reactivation of the Migrant Protection Protocols, known as Remain in Mexico.
Frequently asked questions about the construction of the border wall and the immigration policies of the Trump administration
What is the exemption issued by the Department of Homeland Security for the construction of the wall in California?
The exemption issued by the DHS allows for the immediate construction of a 2.5-mile section of border wall in San Diego, California, by suspending certain environmental laws that could delay the project. This measure aims to expedite construction under the executive orders of President Donald Trump and is part of a broader effort to strengthen security at the southern border of the United States.
What are the construction projects for the wall mentioned in the DHS waiver?
The projects included in the exemption are the Jacumba Gap Wall Project, the Smugglers Gulch Wall Project, and the SDC 4 Wall Project. These projects cover a total of approximately 2.5 miles of construction in the San Diego area, and are funded with CBP funds allocated for fiscal years 2020 and 2021.
How has Trump's immigration policy affected migrants using CBP One?
The Trump administration has tightened immigration policies, including the cancellation of parole permits for migrants who entered through CBP One. The immediate departure of these migrants has been ordered, and they have been warned about civil and criminal penalties if they do not comply with the order. Additionally, the discontinuation of the CBP One application has been announced.
What is the impact of the new security measures at the southern border of the United States?
The new measures have resulted in a drastic reduction of illegal crossings at the southwest border, reaching historic lows in March 2025. The Trump administration attributes this success to the implementation of stricter policies and the reinforcement of military presence at the border.
Filed under: