BBT-5 Call to Action
Send Comments on BBT-5 to CBP Before August 31
CBP is accepting comments on BBT-5, the Big Bend Vehicle Border Barrier System Construction project covering about 157 non-contiguous miles in Brewster, Terrell and Val Verde Counties. Comments are due August 31, 2026.
KBBW supports effective border security, but infrastructure should fit the Big Bend landscape. In much of Terrell County and the Lower Canyons, rugged terrain already prevents or severely restricts vehicle travel.
What We’re Asking CBP to Do
- Demonstrate the need. Justify each barrier segment and use natural terrain where it already provides an effective vehicle barrier.
- Minimize new roads. Do not build roads into inaccessible country simply to install vehicle barriers.
- Use less-damaging technology. Consider cameras, sensors, infrared and thermal detection where terrain already provides security.
- Protect the Rio Grande and Lower Canyons. Avoid unnecessary impacts to the Wild and Scenic River corridor, drainage, wildlife, cultural resources and dark skies.
- Protect public river access. Identify any roads, trails, put-ins, take-outs or other public access that could be closed, gated, relocated or restricted, and maintain lawful public access.
- Show what is proposed. Provide detailed maps of barriers, roads and associated infrastructure and explain what decisions remain open to change.
Make Your Voice Heard
Email CBP by August 31: BigBendComments@cbp.dhs.gov
Subject: Big Bend Vehicle Border Barrier System Construction
Please BCC KBBW: info@keepbigbendwild.org
Choose one or two points above and tell CBP in your own words why the Big Bend matters to you.
Contact Congress, Too
Contact your U.S. Representative and both U.S. Senators. Ask them to urge CBP and DHS to justify barriers and roads, protect public river access, and use natural terrain and less-damaging technology where appropriate. Identify yourself as a constituent.
Please do both: Submit comments to CBP and contact your members of Congress.
Our Message Is Simple
Where the landscape already provides an effective vehicle barrier, use it.
Border security infrastructure should fit the Big Bend landscape – not require the Big Bend landscape to be altered to fit the infrastructure.
Read the Keep Big Bend Wild Comments on BBT-5 –
Big Bend Vehicle Border Barrier System Construction Brewster, Terrell and Val Verde Counties, Texas
An overview of comment points related to the Big Bend Vehicle Border System
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Keep Big Bend Wild
P.O. Box 66
Big Bend National Park, TX, 79834
