Fact Check: Texas Border Wall Program Could Take 30 Years and $20 Billion to Finish
What We Know
The claim that the Texas border wall program could take 30 years and cost $20 billion is supported by various reports and statements from officials involved in the project. As of June 2025, approximately 66.4 miles of the wall had been completed, with ongoing construction at multiple sites across six counties: Cameron, Starr, Zapata, Webb, Maverick, and Val Verde (Texas Facilities Commission). The Texas Facilities Commission (TFC) has indicated that the current construction pace is about half a mile per week, which would indeed project the completion timeline to around 30 years if this rate continues (AP News).
The cost of construction has been reported to be between $25 million and $30 million per mile. Given the total length of the Texas-Mexico border is approximately 1,254 miles, estimates for completing the wall could range from $20 billion to $24 billion (Texas Standard). This figure aligns with reports from the Texas Tribune and other sources that have analyzed the financial implications of the project (Texas Tribune).
Analysis
While the claim that the Texas border wall could take 30 years and cost $20 billion is grounded in factual data, it is essential to consider the context and the reliability of the sources. The TFC has been transparent about the challenges faced in land acquisition and construction pace, which have been significant factors in the timeline estimates. The construction has been slow due to difficulties in securing easements from private landowners, which has been described as a "choke point" for the project (AP News).
Critically, the estimates of costs and timelines are based on current construction rates and financial appropriations. If the pace of construction were to increase or if additional funding were secured, the timeline could potentially shorten. However, as of now, the projections remain valid based on the existing data.
The reliability of the sources is generally high, with official statements from the Texas Facilities Commission being primary references. However, some media outlets may have biases based on their political leanings, which could color the interpretation of the facts. For example, while the Texas Tribune and AP News provide factual reporting, their framing of the project may reflect broader political narratives regarding immigration and state spending.
Conclusion
The claim that the Texas border wall program could take 30 years and cost $20 billion to finish is Partially True. The estimates are based on current construction rates and costs, which are accurate as of the latest reports. However, the situation could change with increased funding or expedited construction efforts, making the timeline and costs somewhat fluid.
Sources
- Texas Facilities Commission - Texas.gov
- At half a mile a week, Texas border wall will take around 30 years and ...
- Texas quietly defunds state border wall program - The Texas Tribune
- At half a mile a week, Gov. Greg Abbott's border wall will take around ...
- Proposed border wall could take 30 years and $20 billion to ...
- Texas spent $3 billion to build 65 miles of border wall. The state has ...
- Gov. Abbott's border wall will take around 30 years, $20B
- Abbott's Billion-Dollar Barrier - The Texas Observer
