On July 3, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it will waive multiple federal laws in order to speed up construction of a new border barrier in Cameron County, Texas.
What the Waiver Does
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem issued the waiver under a provision of federal law that allows the government to bypass certain environmental and land-use requirements in order to build border infrastructure more quickly.
This waiver will allow Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to move forward with installing approximately 17 miles of floating water barriers (buoys) in the Rio Grande River. The barriers are intended to prevent illegal crossings and are part of ongoing efforts in the Rio Grande Valley Sector, one of the busiest areas for border encounters.
Which Laws Were Waived?
The waiver suspends several federal regulations that would normally slow down construction, including:
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The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
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The Endangered Species Act
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The Clean Water Act
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Other environmental and cultural preservation laws
This is not the first time DHS has used this authority—according to CBP, it is the sixth waiver issued for southern border barrier projects.
Why It Matters
While the waiver is designed to speed up construction, it raises questions about:
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Environmental impact – Effects on local wildlife and ecosystems in the Rio Grande are not being studied before installation.
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Precedent – The government is increasingly using these waivers, which bypass the usual review process.
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Local concerns – Landowners, communities, and environmental groups may challenge how these projects affect them.
Key Takeaway
The new waterborne barriers in Cameron County are moving forward quickly because of this waiver. For those living in South Texas—or following immigration policy closely—it’s important to understand not only what is being built, but also how laws are being set aside to make it happen.