Letter from Rep. Doggett et al. to DHS Secretary Mullin on Mariscal Mountain
July 31, 2026
The KBBW team has worked hand-in-glove with Rep. Lloyd Doggett’s team, who sent an open letter on July 31 along with other Texas congressional Dems and members of the House Natural Resources Committee to DHS Secretary Mullin, Secretary of State Rubio, and other officials alerting them that blasting of Mariscal Mountain in order to build the senseless patrol road across it has the potential for impacting the flow and channel of the Rio Grande. That would be a violation of the international treaty with Mexico, which DHS does not have the authority to waive. The US has treaty obligations to Mexico to alert them and seek their input before taking any action which might impact the river.
KBBW is nonpartisan and will work with any elected official or candidate, of any party, that will work to protect the Big Bend area.
Letter from Rep. Doggett et al. to DHS Secretary Mullin Objecting to Environmental Waivers
June 21, 2026
Dear Secretary Mullin:
We write in strong opposition to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) recent waivers of numerous federal environmental and historic preservation laws inside Big Bend National Park. These waivers endanger the intrinsic nature of the park, local economies, biodiversity, and the safety of communities along the Rio Grande River. We urge you to rescind these waivers and instead offer proposals subject to public review and input. There is no border security emergency here that warrants giving CBP unfettered authority to unnecessarily destroy some of the wildest parts of Big Bend or to disregard the overwhelmingly bipartisan will of the people, the actual data showing minimal numbers of border crossings inside the park, and the values that Texans and all Americans hold dear as represented by the National Parks.
Read the full Quill Letter L37359.
Letter from Rep. Doggett et al. to DHS Secretary Mullin Objecting to Barrier Construction
March 27, 2026
Dear Secretary Mullin:
We write in staunch opposition to the proposed border barrier and detection technology in Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park, the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River, and Amistad National Recreation area as you consider public comment. This proposal threatens preservation of one of America’s crown jewels, Texas’ largest state park, and the state’s only congressionally-designated Wild & Scenic River. Construction and maintenance of a border wall segment and the associated roads, secondary barriers, power lines, towers, and lighting will disrupt natural biodiversity, river dynamics subject to routine flash flooding, and one of the darkest night sky areas in the world.
Read the full Quill Letter L34649.
Response from Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Scott Committing to Responsible Stewardship of the Land
May 21, 2026
Dear Representative Doggett
As stated in your letter, the Big Bend area contains some of the most unique and important scenery and archeological landscapes in Texas, and it is valued accordingly. Big Bend National Park and its related areas also provide support for the local and regional economy. DHS recognizes this along with the intrinsic importance these areas hold for Texans and others who visit and enjoy them.
Border security measures in the Big Bend National Park or the Big Bend Ranch State Park will be adapted to the terrain; and they will use technology, such as cameras and sensors, along with a limited number of low-profile vehicle barriers and patrol roads strategically placed to leverage the landscape that serves as a natural deterrent. Additionally, lighting will not be installed due to environmental considerations and operational requirements. Instead, CBP will use infrared illuminators on cameras for visibility in the dark.
Read the full COR 51252 Signed Response.
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Keep Big Bend Wild
P.O. Box 66
Big Bend National Park, TX, 79834