Trump Administration Resumes Border Wall Construction: 7 Miles in Arizona

The Trump administration is picking up where it left off. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem announced plans to construct seven miles of new border wall in Arizona, signaling a renewed push to "make America safe again." This marks the first major project of President Donald Trump's second term.

Noem shared the news through a video posted on her X account, standing along the border in full CBP gear and declaring, "As of today, we’re starting 7 new miles of construction. We’re going to continue to make America safe again." The chosen contractor, Granite Construction Co., has been awarded a hefty $70 million to bring this vision to life in the Rio Grande Valley Sector. Funding for this project comes from CBP's Fiscal Year 2021 budget.

Trump's predecessor, President Joe Biden, famously halted border wall construction on his very first day in office. However, in late 2023, Biden allowed work on 20 miles of barriers in South Texas to proceed—a move largely dictated by funds already appropriated during Trump’s first term.

Under Trump’s first administration, approximately 458 miles of primary and secondary barriers were completed, including upgrades to existing, worn-out walls. The latest effort appears to be a continuation of the strategy that defined his approach to border security.

Vice President JD Vance recently voiced his support for completing a border wall spanning every mile of the southern border by the end of Trump’s term in 2029. During a press conference, Vance highlighted the potential for integrating advanced technology, including artificial intelligence-enabled tools, to supplement physical security measures.

Since Trump’s return to office, illegal migrant "gotaways"—those who evade capture—have reportedly declined by as much as 90%, according to Fox News reports. Border agents are now spotting an average of 77 gotaways per day, compared to numbers that surged as high as 1,800 daily during Biden's tenure.

While critics may debate the efficacy of physical barriers versus technological solutions, it's undeniable that the border remains a central feature of Trump’s policy agenda. Whether this renewed focus will achieve the ambitious goals set forth by the administration, only time will tell.