Trump Administration Resumes Border Wall Construction As It Moves To Close Gap In San Diego

The Trump administration has resumed construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall in San Diego, focusing on the remaining 100-foot gap of the project. Construction crews were seen last week installing sections of a taller border fence east of Friendship Park, marking the continuation of a project that was halted in March 2024 due to a court order.

The legal battle that initially halted construction centered on the use of previously allocated funds. A court ruling in the Southern District of Texas found that the Biden administration had redirected funds meant for border wall construction toward repair and mitigation projects.

A preliminary injunction prohibited the government from using fiscal 2020 and 2021 funds for such purposes, necessitating an alternative funding source. CBP has stated its goal is to close multiple gaps in the San Diego border barrier, with construction anticipated to begin on various projects by March 2025.

The administration's approach to border security has included discussions on the potential use of military forces under emergency declarations. Trump's orders have directed the Department of Homeland Security to construct both temporary and permanent physical barriers for greater operational control. In past actions, the military has primarily played a supporting role by fortifying barriers, surveilling crossings, and transporting materials.

The conclusion of the border wall also puts at risk the reopening of Friendship Park, a binational park founded in 1971 by then-first lady Pat Nixon which was closed during the pandemic, as the San Diego Union Tribune explains.

"Throughout the years, the historic site became a meeting place for families on both sides of the border separated by immigration issues," explains the local news site. "For some, it was the only place where they could be reunited despite being separated by the border fence that limited contact to the tips of fingers."

On Friday, CBP signaled that such a plan remains on the table - but some components of the project are still awaiting funding:

"Our goal remains to complete this work as soon as possible, once we have received the funding to do so, and to fulfill our commitment to providing access to Friendship Park when it is deemed operationally safe to do so. In addition, the Border Patrol remains committed to restoring the Binational Garden following completion of construction activities"

The developments come amid continued demonstrations against Trump's immigration policies across the country. In San Diego, protests over the weekend saw over a thousand participants voicing opposition to the administration's border policies and proposed mass deportations.