Fact Check: DHS Waives Environmental Laws to Expedite Border Wall Construction
What We Know
On June 5, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem issued waivers for environmental regulations to facilitate the construction of approximately 36 miles of new border wall in Arizona and New Mexico. This action allows the bypassing of several environmental laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (DHS, ENR). The funding for these projects comes from appropriations made during the Trump administration in 2020 and 2021 (ENR).
The waivers are part of a broader strategy to close what DHS describes as critical gaps in the border wall, which the agency claims are necessary for effective border security operations (DHS, ENR). This practice of waiving environmental laws for border wall construction was also common during the Trump administration and has continued under the Biden administration for sections authorized by Trump, although construction had not resumed before Biden left office (ENR).
Analysis
The issuance of waivers by DHS is a documented and verifiable action. The agency's authority to waive environmental laws is rooted in Section 102 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, which has been utilized multiple times for border wall projects (DHS, ENR). The credibility of the sources reporting this information, including government releases and reputable news outlets, is high.
However, it is essential to consider the implications of these waivers. Environmental advocacy groups have raised concerns that such actions could lead to significant harm to local ecosystems and communities (Earthjustice). These concerns highlight the ongoing debate about the balance between national security and environmental protection.
The sources used in this analysis are reliable, with the DHS being a primary source of information regarding its own actions. The reporting from ENR and Earthjustice provides additional context and perspectives on the potential impacts of these waivers.
Conclusion
The claim that the DHS waives environmental laws to expedite border wall construction is True. The evidence clearly shows that waivers have been issued to bypass environmental regulations for the construction of new border wall segments, as confirmed by multiple credible sources. The practice aligns with historical actions taken by the DHS under both the Trump and Biden administrations.
