Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the entire US-Mexico border wall will be painted black to increase its temperature and make it more challenging to climb, attributing the idea to former President Donald Trump. This follows a policy bill passed earlier this summer that allocated $46 million for additional wall construction, while domestic detentions and deportations remain a significant focus of current immigration enforcement efforts.
Noem stated that approximately half a mile of wall is being constructed daily along the nearly 2,000-mile border. Recent data indicates a significant decrease in border crossings, which the Trump administration claims is a result of aggressive arrest and detention policies aimed at deterring illegal immigration.
During a press briefing in New Mexico, Noem emphasized that the decision to use black paint was at the president’s request, citing its potential to increase surface temperatures, thus complicating climbing efforts. Border Patrol officials noted that black paint could also help prevent rusting of the wall.
In addition to the wall, Noem mentioned plans to install more “waterborne infrastructure” along the Rio Grande, which forms over half of the border. However, specifics about these projects were not provided. Texas authorities have recently deployed floating barriers and fortified riverbank fencing to bolster border security.
Since Trump assumed office again, border crossings and detentions of undocumented immigrants have seen a substantial decline, with record lows reported—4,600 in July and 6,000 in June, reflecting a 92% decrease year-on-year. This contrast is notable when compared to the Biden administration, which experienced daily averages of around 6,000 detentions.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that 300,000 undocumented immigrants have been detained in the US since January, while the administration maintains that it prioritizes detaining individuals with criminal histories. Immigration advocates, however, have raised concerns that many individuals without serious charges are also being affected by these enforcement operations.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq587vpe46eo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss