Overview

• Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the change during an August 20 visit to a New Mexico segment of the barrier, saying the black surface will be hotter and harder to climb.
• Noem said the decision was made at the president's request and was presented as an operational tweak to the broader wall-completion effort.
• Border Patrol chief Mike Banks said the paint is also intended to reduce rust on the metal structure, aligning with durability goals.
• Officials report construction is advancing at roughly 800 meters per day, supported by a congressional appropriation of about $46 billion to finish the barrier.
• The wall program continues alongside troop deployments and work on floating infrastructure along the Rio Grande, as authorities report about 6,000 interceptions in June.