Response to Public Comments Regarding the Construction of Border Wall Within Certain Areas in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas, 23983-23988 [2020-09236]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 84 (Thursday, April 30, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23983-23988]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-09236]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

[Docket No. USCBP-2019-0018]


Response to Public Comments Regarding the Construction of Border 
Wall Within Certain Areas in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas

AGENCY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland 
Security.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: On June 27, 2019, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 
published a notice in the Federal Register (84 FR 30745), requesting 
public comments regarding the construction of border wall within the 
Rio Grande Valley in Starr County, Texas, including within the cities 
of Roma, Escobares, La Grulla, Rio Grande City, and the census-
designated place of Saline[ntilde]o, Texas (the Affected Areas). CBP 
also requested comments on potential impacts to the environment, 
historical preservation, culture, quality of life, and commerce, 
including socioeconomic impacts from the construction of primary border 
wall in the Affected Areas. This document provides CBP's responses to 
the comments received as well as CBP's plans for construction in the 
Affected Areas, as required by section 232(b) of the Consolidated 
Appropriations Act, 2019.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Enriquez, Acquisition, Real 
Estate, and Environmental Director, Border Wall Program Management 
Office, U.S. Border Patrol at (949) 643-6365 or visit CBP's website: 
https://www.cbp.gov/about/environmental-cultural-stewardship/nepa-documents/docs-review.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background and Summary

    U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is proposing to construct 
approximately 12 miles of primary border wall within the U.S. Border 
Patrol Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Sector in Starr County, Texas, including 
within ``Affected Areas'' that include the cities of Roma, Escobares, 
La Grulla, Rio Grande City, and the census-designated place of 
Saline[ntilde]o, Texas. The project is funded by Congress through the 
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019, Public Law 115-141, 132 Stat. 
348 (Feb. 15, 2019) (the 2019 Appropriations Act).
    On June 27, 2019, CBP published a notice in the Federal Register 
requesting public comments on its proposal to locate and construct 
primary border wall in the Affected Areas, as required by section 
232(b) of the 2019 Appropriations Act. See 84 FR 30745. Comments were 
requested by August 26, 2019. In that notice, CBP also sought input on 
potential impacts to the environment, historical preservation, culture, 
quality of life, and commerce, including socioeconomic impacts, from 
the construction of primary border wall in the Affected Areas. On 
August 26, 2019, CBP published a notice in the Federal Register 
extending the comment period until September 25, 2019. See 84 FR 44629.

[[Page 23984]]

II. Rio Grande Valley Border Wall Construction Plans for Starr County, 
Texas

    In addition to requesting public comments regarding CBP's proposal 
to locate and construct border wall in the Affected Areas, as required 
by 232(b) of the 2019 Appropriations Act, CBP also consulted with local 
elected officials, as required by section 232(a) of the 2019 
Appropriations Act. Specifically CBP consulted with elected officials 
in Roma, Escobares, La Grulla, Rio Grande City, and Sali[ntilde]eno to 
review the alignment and design of planned border wall in these areas. 
Additionally, pursuant to section 102(b)(1)(C) of the Illegal 
Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, Public Law 
104-208, Div. C, 110 Stat. 3009-546 (8 U.S.C. 1103 note), as amended, 
CBP conducted a separate consultation with stakeholders regarding the 
potential impacts to the environment, culture, commerce, and quality of 
life for a range of proposed border wall projects in the Rio Grande 
Valley, including the proposed construction of border wall in Starr 
County, Texas.
    As part of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) commitment 
to responsible environmental and cultural stewardship, CBP will 
consider stakeholder feedback and the results of natural, biological 
and cultural resource surveys. Information collected through CBP's 
public outreach and its consultation with local officials will be taken 
into consideration and will inform the review of impacts to the 
environment, culture, quality of life, and commerce, including 
socioeconomic impacts.
    CBP is currently in the planning phase for border wall construction 
in Starr County, Texas. The Supporting Documents section of docket 
#USCBP-2019-0018 (available at https://www.regulations.gov) includes 
maps that depict the proposed location of the border wall in the 
Affected Areas within Starr County. CBP and the United States Army 
Corps of Engineers (USACE) have begun outreach and consultation with 
landowners to obtain Rights-of-Entry for real estate and environmental 
surveys.

III. Summary of Comments Received and Responses

1. General

    In response to the Federal Register notice requesting public 
comment on the proposed border wall in the Affected Areas, CBP received 
2,566 comments, including 887 unique comments and 1,679 form letters. 
The comments covered a range of topics, such as: Impacts to natural 
resources, including ecosystems, wildlife, water, flooding, and 
landscape or visual impacts; impacts to cultural, archaeological and 
historical resources, including Native American tribal lands; impacts 
to landowners, including property devaluation, business and economic 
impacts, and gate access to property south of the border wall; concerns 
about the need and efficacy of the border wall; concerns about the cost 
of border wall construction; humanitarian concerns; support for border 
security, including efforts to stop human and narcotics trafficking; 
concerns about immigration policy; and other concerns. CBP received 72 
general comments expressing support or disapproval. Of these comments, 
nearly 90 percent were in favor of wall construction.
    CBP has analyzed these comments and is providing its responses and 
plans for construction in this document. It is important to note that 
the number of comments in each category does not reflect the total 
number of comments received. Many comments received included concerns 
from multiple categories. Also, while CBP solicited comments only for 
Starr County, Texas, comments were received for proposed border wall 
construction projects throughout the Rio Grande Valley. CBP has 
analyzed all of these comments.

2. Historical/Cultural

    Comment: CBP received 43 comments related to the historical and 
cultural impacts of wall construction. Of these, 42 were against border 
wall construction and one was neither for nor against such 
construction. A number of commenters expressed general concerns about 
the historical and cultural impacts of construction. A general response 
is provided below followed by an analysis of the specific comments.
    Response: CBP agrees that the preservation of historical and 
cultural resources is important, and CBP is fully engaged in efforts 
that consider the environment as we work to secure our nation's 
borders. As such, CBP is conducting or will conduct cultural surveys of 
the project areas within Starr County. CBP will also coordinate and 
consult with relevant agencies and evaluate possible resources, 
including those that relate to historical and cultural sites. Site-
specific design elements and best management practices are a standard 
part of construction contracts awarded for the border wall projects 
which are intended to minimize impacts to historical and cultural 
resources.
    Comment: Several commenters expressed concerns about the impact to 
Fort Brown, a historical site in Brownsville and the first U.S. 
military outpost located along the Rio Grande, dating back to 1846.
    Response: CBP consults with stakeholders such as the Texas State 
Historic Preservation Office, local governments, the Department of the 
Interior and other interested stakeholders to identify potential 
impacts to historic resources or sites that may be affected by the 
construction of the border wall. In addition, to the extent 
practicable, CBP identifies and implements construction best management 
practices and mitigation measures to avoid or minimize impacts.
    Comment: One commenter was concerned about the Government's 
requests for right of entry and site assessment to La Lomita, a 
sanctuary for the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. The commenter 
was concerned that border wall construction would divide the site, thus 
destroying this place which continues to be a sanctuary and safe place 
for Catholics on both sides of the border.
    Response: As provided in the 2019 Appropriations Act, border wall 
construction will not occur in specifically excluded areas, including 
the La Lomita Chapel.
    Comment: Several commenters were concerned about impacts related to 
other cultural resources, including sites designated as National 
Historic Landmarks, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, 
and recognized as Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks. These sites 
include Jackson Ranch Church and Cemetery, Eli Jackson Cemetery, the 
riverbank at Cavazos Ramp/Ranch, and the family campsites that are 
considered sacred, including Kamp Keralum.
    Response: While border wall construction is occurring adjacent to 
the Eli Jackson Cemetery, construction plans in this location will not 
directly affect the Eli Jackson Cemetery or the Jackson Ranch Church. 
Regarding the riverbank at Cavazos Ramp and locations that are 
considered sacred such as the Kamp Keralum, CBP will, to the extent 
practicable, develop and implement design considerations and best 
management practices to avoid or minimize impacts if it is determined 
that these locations will be affected.

3. Natural Resources

    Comment: 361 commenters expressed concerns related to the impacts 
of border wall construction on wildlife and plant life. Of these, 358 
commenters were opposed to construction and three

[[Page 23985]]

were neither for nor against construction. The commenters who were 
opposed to construction cited negative impacts on biodiversity, 
ecosystems, and various plant and wildlife habitats. A general response 
is provided below followed by an analysis of the specific comments.
    Response: CBP agrees that the preservation of our valuable natural 
resources is important, and CBP is fully engaged in efforts that 
consider the environment as we work to secure our nation's borders. As 
such, CBP is conducting or will conduct biological surveys of the 
project areas. In addition, CBP coordinates and consults with resource 
agencies to evaluate possible environmental impacts as a result of 
border wall construction. To the extent practicable, CBP identifies and 
implements construction best management practices and mitigation 
measures to avoid or minimize impacts.
    Comment: A number of commenters were concerned about the impact of 
border wall construction on native endangered and threatened species, 
including the destruction of their habitats and their ability to travel 
across the border. The commenters highlighted numerous endangered or 
threatened species that could be affected by border wall construction 
including, Ocelots, Jaguarondi, Golden Crown Heron, Red Crowned Green 
Parrot, Mexican Whip-poor-wills, indigo snake, alligator gar, various 
nonmarine mollusks, terrestrial snails, flattened pinecone, sabal palm, 
Zapata bladderpod, and whiskerbush cactus. One commenter, a wildlife 
biologist, focused on the riparian habitats along the river in Cameron, 
Hidalgo and Starr counties, upon which various endangered and 
threatened species depend. Commenters also pointed out that American 
Ocelots need to be able to cross the border and mate with Mexican 
Ocelots in order to keep their small populations viable. Several 
commenters were concerned about the impact that waiving the Endangered 
Species Act would have on flora and fauna. Additionally, commenters 
specifically asked that construction not occur in national parks and 
refuges, including Big Bend National Park, the Lower Rio Grande Valley 
National Wildlife Refuge, and Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge.
    Response: As part of its environmental stewardship, CBP provides 
environmental awareness training to the construction contractors and 
performs biological monitoring during the construction process. 
Regarding comments related to the movement of wildlife across the 
border, CBP is actively engaging with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service to identify wildlife migration corridors and to develop design 
elements in the planned border wall that support both wildlife 
migration and border security. These design elements could include 
animal gates that can be open during migration season, strategically 
placed gaps in the wall, and other wildlife access points that could be 
the same or similar to previous design elements used by CBP for border 
wall construction in 2008. As required by the 2019 Appropriations Act, 
CBP will not construct border wall within the Santa Ana National 
Wildlife Refuge. Currently, there are no plans to construct border wall 
within Big Bend National Park.
    Comment: Several commenters were concerned about the impact of 
border wall construction on bird populations, including loss of 
habitat, effects of the border wall on migratory paths and on local 
birding centers. Commenters also cited potential impacts for bird 
watchers visiting the area. One commenter expressed concern about the 
effect of waiving the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
    Response: CBP develops comprehensive construction best management 
practices for each project that include migratory bird surveys during 
the migratory bird season. If nesting birds are identified during the 
construction project, biologists working on behalf of CBP implement 
protective measures. In addition, CBP conducts biological surveys to 
identify potential impacts to the habitats of threatened and endangered 
species and develops avoidance and mitigation measures to minimize 
impacts.
    Comment: 41 commenters were concerned about the impact of the 
border wall on the landscape. All of these commenters were opposed to 
border wall construction. The commenters stated that the border wall 
would negatively affect the beauty of the landscape and that the wall 
would be an eyesore.
    Response: To the extent practicable and without compromising U.S. 
Border Patrol's operational requirements, CBP works with communities 
and landowners to minimize visual impacts of the border wall.
    Comment: 204 commenters expressed concerns related to flooding. Of 
these, 203 commenters were opposed to border wall construction and one 
expressed no opinion. Commenters cited concerns relating to the 
increased risk of flooding from building in the Rio Grande floodplain. 
Some commenters stated that the existing border wall has resulted in 
flooding, streams clogged with debris, and drainage backups, and stated 
that similar issues are likely with the construction of additional 
border wall. One commenter suggested that the gates be opened during 
times of flood risk to reduce impacts. Other commenters stated that 
they already experience flooding in their communities and that 
construction could exacerbate the frequency of flooding.
    Response: CBP conducts a hydraulic analysis of each location 
proposed for border wall construction. Additionally, CBP coordinates 
with the International Boundary and Water Commission to ensure the 
proposed locations meet the standards outlined in the Treaty to Resolve 
Pending Boundary and Maintain the Rio Grande and Colorado River as the 
International Boundary, U.S.-Mex. (1970). This treaty prohibits any 
works in the United States that will cause deflection or obstruction of 
the normal flow of the Rio Grande River or its flood flows.
    Comment: One commenter cited concerns about the impact of the wall 
on the flood control system, drinking water, and irrigation systems.
    Response: In certain areas, CBP is constructing or will construct 
border wall on a levee. The border wall will be comprised of concrete 
wall and bollard infrastructure with the primary purpose of meeting 
U.S. Border Patrol's operational requirements. The ratio of concrete to 
bollard fence fluctuates depending on the particular segment and 
location of the wall. The border wall may also provide flood control 
because it will take the place of what would have been an earthen 
levee. CBP has not identified any impacts to drinking water and works 
closely with the irrigation districts to minimize or eliminate impacts 
to irrigation systems.
    Comment: Several commenters were concerned about the waiver of 
various federal laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act, 
the Endangered Species Act, and the Clean Water Act.
    Response: On various occasions, the Secretary of Homeland Security 
(Secretary) has used his statutory authority pursuant to section 102(c) 
of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 
1996, Public Law 104-208, Div. C, 110 Stat. 3009-546, 3009-554 (8 
U.S.C. 1103 note), as amended, to waive certain laws for the 
construction of border wall. The Secretary has not made a final 
decision relating to the waiver of laws for the construction of 
proposed border wall in the Affected Areas. However, even when a waiver 
applies, CBP is committed to responsible environmental stewardship. As 
such, CBP is conducting or will conduct cultural and

[[Page 23986]]

biological surveys of the project areas within Starr County. CBP has 
and will continue to coordinate and consult with resource agencies and 
evaluate possible environmental impacts from the projects. Site-
specific design elements and best management practices are a standard 
part of construction contracts awarded for the border wall projects. In 
addition, to the extent practicable, CBP identifies and implements 
mitigation measures to avoid or minimize impacts.

4. Impacts to Landowners/Stakeholders

    332 commenters were concerned that the proposed border wall would 
decrease property values, divide properties, and negatively affect 
local businesses. 60 commenters were concerned about reliable access 
through gates in the proposed border wall.
    Comment: Most commenters who expressed concerns about gate access 
are concerned that the border gates will malfunction and emergency 
vehicles will be unable to provide timely services, possibly resulting 
in preventable deaths. Some commenters stated that they have already 
experienced situations in which a gate became inoperable and vehicles 
had to reroute to a different gate.
    Response: CBP works closely with potentially affected landowners 
and stakeholders during the planning, design, and construction 
processes. Part of this coordination includes incorporating feedback 
from landowners to ensure gate and wall designs meet their needs. CBP 
will also coordinate with emergency responders and local law 
enforcement to ensure continued access during emergencies. CBP has 
improved gate functionality and is committed to addressing inoperable 
gate issues quickly. CBP also enters into agreements with landowners 
and stakeholders to ensure gates remain open on a case-by-case basis to 
meet specific community needs.
    Comment: Commenters expressed concerns relating to the loss of 
property value and the risk of physical damage to their property 
resulting from the construction of the border wall. Multiple commenters 
were worried that if the border wall is constructed through their 
property or north of their property, they will be unable to sell their 
property at market value or rent it out at a reasonable rate. One 
commenter stated that he lives on a fixed income and will be unable to 
save enough to purchase new property elsewhere. Another commenter 
stated that insurance companies may not be able to provide coverage for 
his property if it is located south of the border wall. Another 
commenter suggested the government should pay affected landowners the 
market value of their property.
    Response: When the Government determines private property is 
required for border wall construction, the Government must determine 
fair market value for that property based on appraisals. The Government 
then prepares an offer to sell and presents it to each affected 
landowner. In many instances, landowners may choose to negotiate a 
counter offer based on other factors. New border wall construction 
cannot proceed until the Government has negotiated an offer to sell 
with each landowner or has obtained legal possession of property 
required for the project. It is always CBP's preference to acquire land 
needed for border wall construction through a negotiated sale. 
Landowners will continue to have access south of the wall and U.S. 
Border Patrol will continue to patrol that area.
    Comment: Some commenters expressed concern that a border wall built 
through their community would isolate a large number of residents, 
inhibit access to community facilities, hinder socializing and social 
functions, and damage the community atmosphere. These commenters 
believe that the construction of the border wall has the potential to 
destroy their entire community and way of life. A few commenters 
expressed concerns that homes located south of the wall would be used 
as hiding spaces for refugees and immigrants.
    Response: CBP is working closely with landowners to gather feedback 
on potential adjustments, including gates that will meet the needs of 
the community, as well as U.S. Border Patrol's operational 
requirements.
    Comment: Some commenters expressed concern that the border wall 
will negatively affect local businesses and the local economy. One 
commenter was concerned that farming and oil and gas production revenue 
could be affected. Other commenters were concerned that eco-tourism 
would be negatively affected.
    Response: It is part of CBP's mission to safeguard America's 
borders, while also enhancing the nation's global economic 
competitiveness by enabling legitimate trade and travel. CBP continues 
to work with affected stakeholders and communities to ensure their 
needs are met, such as ensuring continued access south of the wall, 
among other important considerations and concerns.
    Comment: One commenter was particularly concerned about the impacts 
to the property of a particular private individual. The two main areas 
of concern were the likelihood of total loss or damage to the property 
and business and the potential for total loss of access.
    Response: CBP will work with all landowners to minimize impacts to 
their property and businesses and to ensure continued access through 
gates. It is CBP's preference to avoid damage or loss to structures 
such as private residences and businesses wherever possible.
    Comment: A few commenters were concerned about continued access to 
cell phone services, as well as underground utilities such as internet, 
cable, and electric.
    Response: CBP coordinates all border infrastructure projects with 
local utility providers and municipalities to ensure utility and water 
lines are not affected by border wall construction.

5. Tribal Consultation

    Comment: Multiple commenters were concerned about the negative 
impact that border wall construction would have on Native Americans and 
their tribal lands. These included the Carrizo/Comecrudo Nation of 
Texas, the Lipan Apache of south Texas, the Kickapoo Tribe in the Eagle 
Pass area and the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo in the El Paso area of west 
Texas.
    Response: CBP regularly consults with federally recognized tribal 
governments to mitigate impacts to natural and cultural resources. For 
example, in June 2019, CBP solicited input from the Kickapoo 
Traditional Tribe of Texas. CBP received a response from the Kickapoo 
Traditional Tribe of Texas on July 22, 2019 that indicated that the 
Tribe does not own land located in the project areas and that the 
project would not affect any of the Tribe's cultural, historical, or 
sacred sites that they were aware of. CBP did not consult with the 
Carrizo/Comecrudo Nation of Texas, the Lipan Apapche of south Texas, or 
the federally recognized tribe of Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo of Texas. 
Additional dialogue with Federal, tribal, state and local agencies, and 
non-governmental organizations will occur as needed.

6. Effectiveness/Need for Wall

    Comment: CBP received 252 comments that question the need for the 
border wall and the ability of the border wall to effectively secure 
the border. All of these comments are against the construction of the 
border wall. Many of these comments do not elaborate on why the border 
wall is unnecessary or ineffective. A few commenters stated that they 
already feel safe and do not require further protection.

[[Page 23987]]

    Response: Physical walls, and other tactical infrastructure 
including roads, lighting, and surveillance technology, have long been 
a critical component of CBP's multilayered, risk-based approach to 
securing our nation's southern border. Border wall continues to enhance 
U.S. Border Patrol's operational capabilities by providing significant 
obstacles that deter illegal cross-border activity.
    Comment: Many commenters who dispute the effectives of the wall 
suggest alternative methods to securing the border. The most commonly 
suggested alternative is the development of a virtual wall and the 
improvement of border surveillance and technology, such as lighting and 
cameras.
    Response: CBP's overall border security strategy includes physical 
walls and other tactical infrastructure including roads, lighting, and 
surveillance technology. These additional elements have long been a 
critical component of CBP's multilayered, risk-based approach to 
securing our nation's southern border. Border wall continues to enhance 
U.S. Border Patrol's operational capabilities by providing significant 
obstacles that deter illegal cross-border activity.

7. Humanitarian

    Comment: 33 commenters cited humanitarian concerns related to the 
border wall and all of these commenters were opposed to border wall 
construction. The reasons cited were abuse of refugees, particularly 
children, family separation, challenges for asylum seekers and refugees 
escaping violence, and the violation of human rights.
    Response: The border wall is intended to slow or stop those who are 
seeking to evade law enforcement, not prevent individuals who present 
themselves to law enforcement officials for the purpose of seeking 
asylum or other protections. The border wall helps secure the southern 
border.

8. Immigration Reform

    Comment: 99 commenters cited the need for immigration reform either 
in addition to or as an alternative to construction of a border wall. 
All but one of these commenters were against construction. Some 
commenters included suggestions for discouraging illegal entry into the 
United States, such as returning those who illegally enter the United 
States to their country of origin and denying benefits to those who 
illegally enter the United States. Others noted that comprehensive 
immigration reform would be more effective than a border wall. Still 
others commented that constructing a border wall would not solve the 
root causes of illegal entry.
    Response: Part of CBP's mission is to safeguard America's borders, 
which contributes to the Administration's overarching immigration 
strategy. In an effort to safeguard American's borders, CBP utilizes a 
comprehensive approach to border security that leverages local, state, 
and federal law enforcement partners and the use of technology, 
infrastructure, and enforcement personnel to secure the southern 
border. The border wall is one element of border security that provides 
significant obstacles that deter illegal cross-border activity. 
Comments regarding immigration reform are outside the scope of this 
notice.

9. Cost

    Comment: CBP received 272 comments that expressed concern about the 
cost of the border wall construction and all opposed such construction. 
Most of the comments stated that the construction of the border wall is 
a waste of taxpayer money. Many commenters believe that the 
construction of the border wall is too expensive and that the 
maintenance costs will be too high. Some commenters suggested that 
funds for the construction of the wall should be used instead for some 
of the following initiatives: Immigration reform, veteran compensation, 
infrastructure repair, border screening process, environmental 
resilience, education, and healthcare. At least one commenter stated 
that there are cheaper alternatives available to secure the border.
    Response: In the 2019 Appropriations Act, Congress has made funding 
available for border wall construction in the Affected Areas.

10. Border Security

    CBP received 101 comments that address the need for secure borders 
and 20 comments that address crime or drug trafficking.
    Comment: Many of the commenters that addressed the need for secure 
borders stated that the border wall will prevent unwanted trespassing 
and property damage. Others suggested that the border wall functions as 
a necessary separator between countries. Other commenters stated that 
the current border wall is and will continue to be ineffective in 
securing the country and that the proposed border wall will be equally 
ineffective in increasing security. One commenter suggested that the 
presence of a border wall will encourage legal entry.
    Response: Physical walls, and other tactical infrastructure 
including roads, lighting, and surveillance technology, have long been 
a critical component of CBP's multilayered, risk-based approach to 
securing our nation's southern border. Border wall continues to enhance 
U.S. Border Patrol's operational capabilities and provides a 
significant obstacle that deters illegal cross-border activity.
    Comment: Some commenters expressed concerns about crime or drug 
trafficking and stated that the border wall will prevent illegal 
smuggling of people and drugs. Other commenters believe that the 
construction of the border wall will prevent crime in communities along 
the border. However, some commenters stated that additional wall 
construction is unnecessary because most smuggling occurs at legal 
points of entry.
    Response: Physical walls, and other tactical infrastructure 
including roads, lighting, and surveillance technology, have long been 
a critical component of CBP's multilayered, risk-based approach to 
securing our nation's southern border. Border wall continues to enhance 
U.S. Border Patrol's operational capabilities by providing significant 
obstacles that deter illegal cross-border activity.

11. Other Comments

    99 comments addressed issues that were not covered by the previous 
categories. Of these, 89 comments were opposed to border wall 
construction.
    Comment: Multiple commenters stated that they were opposed to the 
border wall due to its racist or xenophobic symbolism. Others drew 
parallels to historical examples of why the wall should not be built, 
such as the Berlin Wall.
    Response: CBP strives to serve the American public with vigilance, 
integrity and professionalism. Physical walls, and other tactical 
infrastructure including roads, lighting, and surveillance technology, 
have long been a critical component of CBP's multilayered, risk-based 
approach to securing our nation's southern border. Border wall 
continues to enhance U.S. Border Patrol's operational capabilities by 
providing significant obstacles that deter illegal cross-border 
activity.
    Comment: Multiple commenters discussed the political aspects of 
border wall construction. These commenters expressed frustration with 
the current Administration and Congress. Some felt that because 
Congress did not approve construction, the border wall should not be 
built. Several voiced frustrations with the process, and felt that the 
request for comments would not have

[[Page 23988]]

an impact, since the wall would be built anyway.
    Response: Congress has made funding available for border wall 
construction.
    Comment: One commenter was concerned that the wall would make it 
more difficult for U.S. citizens to travel to Mexico for medical and 
dental care.
    Response: Part of CBP's mission is to safeguard America's borders 
while enhancing the nation's global economic competitiveness by 
enabling legitimate trade and travel. Border wall construction will not 
affect the ability of U.S. citizens to lawfully travel to and from 
Mexico.

    Dated: April 27, 2020.
Loren Flossman,
Director, Infrastructure Program, Program Management Office 
Directorate, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
[FR Doc. 2020-09236 Filed 4-29-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9111-14-P