Overview

• Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem issued a waiver allowing the immediate construction of 2.5 miles of border wall in Southern California, bypassing lengthy environmental reviews.
• The waiver exempts compliance with laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, and Clean Water Act to accelerate the project.
• Construction will focus on regions identified as high-priority, including Jacumba Hot Springs and areas near San Diego, using funding allocated during fiscal years 2020 and 2021.
• The waiver, published in the Federal Register on April 8, 2025, marks a continuation of Trump-era policies prioritizing border security over environmental regulations.
• Environmental advocacy groups, including Earthjustice, have criticized the move, citing potential harm to ecosystems, cultural sites, and border communities.