US Customs and Border Protection Pauses Construction in Big Bend National Park
On August 18, 2026, US Customs and Border Protection paused construction in Big Bend National Park amidst ongoing scrutiny of the Trump administration's border wall plans. The pause follows concerns raised by environmentalists about potential ecological damage. Meanwhile, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced on Tuesday that the state would not proceed with permits for mining projects near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, despite a previous federal ban lifting four months prior. Critics warn that continued construction could cause irreversible harm to this protected area.