Bellingcat | Satellite Imagery Documents New Border Patrol Road Construction in Big Bend National Park

Photo ©Rebecca L. Latson

Planet Labs satellite imagery captured on August 15 and August 19 shows new roads cleared through the riparian forest around the Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park.

Bellingcat | Satellite Imagery Documents New Border Patrol Road Construction in Big Bend National Park

Originally posted August 20, 2026

Satellite images obtained and analysed by Bellingcat show over five miles of new road constructed in Big Bend National Park in southwestern Texas, part of a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) “Smart Wall” installation, which includes roads, barriers, lighting and cameras. 

The project was paused earlier this week after pushback from local residents, politicians and environmental groups.

The roads have been built adjacent to the Rio Grande, through the river’s floodplain and riparian forest, and include construction adjacent to Cottonwood Campground, Santa Elena Canyon, and Mariscal Canyon in the National Park.

Read the full story at Bellingcat.

CATEGORIES

News

Comments are closed