The Trump administration has awarded a $70 million contract to resume construction on the southern border wall — with seven new miles planned for Texas’ Rio Grande Valley. The contract represents the first step in President Donald Trump’s renewed push to secure the border and reinforce immigration enforcement.
Granite Construction Co. has been selected for the project — according to CBP — which confirmed that the new section will be built in Hidalgo County. The agency stated that these areas were left unprotected when the Biden administration canceled wall contracts — creating openings that were exploited by smugglers and illegal migrants.
🚨BREAKING: Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announces 7 MORE MILES of border wall is being built starting today.
pic.twitter.com/TTukbg9blz— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) March 16, 2025
Trump signed executive orders early in his second term directing DHS to take immediate action in closing security gaps along the border. With crossings reaching historic lows — the administration has emphasized that stronger physical barriers will further deter illegal immigration and reduce cartel activity.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem visited the border to highlight the latest construction efforts. In a video statement from an unfinished section of the wall — she said, “As of today, we’re starting seven new miles of construction.” Noem also pointed out that cartels are becoming “more desperate” as enforcement tightens — using increasingly creative methods to smuggle drugs and people.
Since Trump returned to office — illegal crossings have reportedly dropped by 95%. Officials say that a combination of tougher enforcement policies and the resumption of border wall construction has contributed to the sharp decline.
Vice President J.D. Vance, along with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, visited the border in recent weeks to assess security operations. Vance stated that the administration’s ultimate goal is to complete the full border wall — reinforcing Trump’s original commitment from his first term.
The Trump administration previously built 450 miles of new wall before Biden halted construction in 2021. With funding restored and new projects moving forward — the administration is taking swift action to reinforce the nation’s border security strategy.
Officials expect additional contracts to be awarded in the coming months as the administration accelerates its efforts to complete the border wall and strengthen immigration enforcement.
