US judge blocks border barrier construction in Big Bend region, conservation group says

EL PASO, Texas — A federal judge has issued an emergency injunction blocking border barrier and road construction across the Big Bend region, the Center for Biological Diversity, one of the plaintiffs in the underlying lawsuit, said in a statement.

The injunction, issued by U.S. District Judge Kathleen Cardone, will remain in place while the court considers a lawsuit challenging the federal government's waiver of environmental laws and other laws to fast-track construction, the group said. The Center said the injunction was sought by the Center, Friends of the Ruidosa Church and a Big Bend-area river guide and landowner, and that the waiver covers construction through Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park and across the Big Bend region.

Customs and Border Protection announced a pause in construction activities on Aug 17 and that pause lapsed on Sept 30, according to the Center. The group said the agency's online map shows plans to build vehicle barriers and patrol roads across Big Bend National Park.