Trump reactivates construction of the wall on the US-Mexico border

The United States government has taken a new step in the militarization of the border with Mexico by announcing the reactivation of construction of the border wall. A measure that could change the dynamic for thousands of migrants attempting to cross into the country.

The first contract for this new phase of the wall was awarded to Granite Construction Co. for a total of $70.2 million, to close gaps in the border barrier in Hidalgo County, Texas.

These areas had been left open after the suspension of contracts during the Biden administration, but now the Donald Trump administration has decided to reopen them with funds from the fiscal year 2021 budget.

How will this affect migrants trying to cross?

This section of the wall will be built in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), one of the areas with the highest migration flow and where the most migrant detentions are recorded.

The new barrier aims to prevent illegal crossings and curb the activities of cartels operating along the border.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that this action responds to the executive orders signed by Trump titled "Securing Our Borders" and "Declaring a National Emergency on the Southern Border of the United States," which order the acceleration of the construction of physical barriers to achieve full control of the border.

More controls and obstacles for migrants

With the resumption of wall construction, authorities are expected to strengthen surveillance and the deployment of border agents.

This could translate into an increase in operations, arrests, and deportations, making it even more difficult for those seeking to enter the United States without documents.

Crossings in the Rio Grande Valley have historically been dangerous, as migrants must navigate the Rio Grande, through desert areas, and confront human traffickers.

With the reactivation of the wall, routes will become more complicated, and the risk of accidents and deaths could increase. This has already happened in other areas where new barriers have been installed.

What options remain for migrants?

The tightening of border measures is forcing migrants to seek legal alternatives to enter the United States. In this context, the safest routes include:

• Asylum applications under the CBP One program.
• Family petitions if you have relatives with residency or citizenship.
• Humanitarian programs and temporary work visas, if eligible.

However, the migration crisis and cuts to protection programs have reduced opportunities for many, leaving thousands of people in immigration limbo.

The wall advances and restrictions increase

The Trump administration has made it clear that the southern border is a priority. It also says that building the wall is only the first step in a broader plan to strengthen immigration controls.

For migrants still planning to cross, this announcement is a game-changer, making access to the United States more difficult, more dangerous, and with greater consequences if detained.

?BIG NEWS: The first border wall contract of @POTUS'second term is officially locked in! More security, more control—America stays protected.

➡️ https://t.co/dgEIFk52ku pic.twitter.com/K0YtJGUAf1

- CBP (@CBP) March 17, 2025