Rio Grande City, TX-- Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) continues to fight against the Trump Administration's border wall after U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced the construction of 65 miles of new border fence in Starr County in 2020.

"I take this matter very seriously and will continue to protect Starr County border communities from President Trump’s wall," said Congressman Cuellar. "I have included prohibitions for any border wall construction in all U.S. House passed Appropriations bills and am working with federal agencies to ensure our border communities are heard."

Starr County Judge Eloy Vera said, "As  a border community we are fully aware of the invaluable economic benefit our region provides for our nation.  As public servants we are even more aware of the responsibility we share to protect our residents and the integrity of our community.  While we challenge the notion that we live in an “extremely dangerous” area, we recognize that border security is a goal we all share in common and are extremely appreciative of Congressman Henry Cuellar for including language in the FY19 appropriations bills that required local agreement in determining the most efficient and cost effective way to secure our community." 

“We have been involved in continued dialogue with the Department of Homeland Security and US Border Patrol and offered alternative proposals for security that are intended to protect local land owner's property rights, reduce litigation costs in our overburden federal court system and combine sound fiscal management with the creation of strong, smart barriers that meet operational needs.  We are profoundly disappointed that while we have been acting in good faith during our negotiations, we learned through media reports today, that contrary to the spirt of the law, contracts have been issued for 42 miles of construction within Starr County.”  

Judge Vera added “We remain committed to helping our federal law enforcement partners meet their operational needs, but intend to ensure that it does not come at the cost of our residents or community.”


Click here to see Congressman Cuellar’s legislation to stop border wall construction.

Click here to see Congressman Cuellar’s prohibitions on border wall funding.