On May 1, the final panel was installed for approximately 15 miles of new border wall system in the U.S. Border Patrol’s (USBP) El Centro Sector.
The project is the first to be completed using DoD 10 U.S.C. § 284 counter-narcotics funding. This project includes the construction of 30 foot tall steel bollards, in place of outdated vehicle barrier, along with new and improved roads, lighting and other detection technology to provide agents with the ability to safely and effectively respond to illicit cross border activity.
“This 15 mile section of border wall system in El Centro Sector will provide much needed infrastructure to help USBP agents secure the border,” said U.S. Border Patrol Chief Rodney Scott.
The El Centro Sector is an area of high illegal activity, with large numbers of individuals and narcotics being smuggled into the country illegally. The construction of border wall system in this area supports CBP’s ability to impede and deny illegal border crossings.
“We have a proud history of partnership with the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection,” said Lt. Gen. Todd Semonite, commanding general of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “On behalf of DoD, the Corps will continue to do what we do best – provide engineering and construction services – so that CBP can do what it does best – secure the nation’s borders and safeguard the American people.”
Since 2017, approximately 175 miles of new border wall system has been constructed in place of dilapidated and outdated designs or in locations where no barriers previously existed. An additional 196 miles of new border wall system are under construction and approximately 360 miles are in the pre-construction phase.
