Federal judge temporarily blocks border wall construction in Big Bend

Who's involved

• Judge Kathleen CardoneFederal judge who issued the ruling
• Trump administrationParty blocked from building border wall infrastructure
• Landowners, businesses and environmentalistsPlaintiffs who opposed the project
• Center of Biological DiversityEnvironmental organization that brought the lawsuit
• Laiken JordahlRepresentative of Center of Biological Diversity
• Department of Homeland SecurityFederal agency involved in border wall project
• Customs and Border ProtectionFederal agency involved in border wall project

The facts

• Judge Kathleen Cardone issued the temporary injunction on Friday, Oct. 2.^{1 5} Stated by 2 sources
• The ruling blocks construction of border wall, vehicle barriers, roads, and surveillance technology.^{1 5} Stated by 2 sources
• The injunction covers Big Bend National Park and the entire 500-mile-long Big Bend sector.^{1 5} Stated by 2 sources
• Big Bend sector accounts for about a quarter of the roughly 2,000-mile southern border.^{1 5} Stated by 2 sources
• First border wall panels were erected in Big Bend sector in mid-September 2026.^{1 5} Stated by 2 sources
• Customs and Border Protection paused activity in Big Bend National Park; pause expired Sept. 30.^{1 5} Stated by 2 sources

Who said what

These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.

• Judge Kathleen Cardone Plaintiffs likely to succeed on merits; likely to suffer irreparable harm; balance of equities favors them.^{1 5}
• Laiken Jordahl, Center of Biological Diversity Bulldozers will be sent packing until judge rules on the merits; this is a total victory.^{1 5}
• Opponents of border wall project Big Bend region is remote and rugged; serves as deterrent to illegal immigration.^{1 5}
• Lawsuit plaintiffs Department of Homeland Security violated law by bypassing environmental, cultural, and archeological protections.^{1 5}