Overview

• The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued a waiver to bypass environmental regulations, enabling the rapid construction of 2.5 miles of border wall in Southern California.
• This marks the first waiver signed by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem since taking office in January 2025, continuing a precedent set by previous administrations.
• The waiver permits the bypassing of laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act, which typically require environmental impact reviews.
• The construction project, located near Jacumba Hot Springs and San Diego, is funded by appropriations from fiscal years 2020 and 2021, utilizing leftover funds from the Trump administration.
• Environmental advocacy groups, including Earthjustice, have criticized the decision, warning of potential harm to ecosystems, biodiversity, and border communities.