Fact Check: "Texas has built only 8 miles of its planned 805-mile border wall."
What We Know
The claim that Texas has built only 8 miles of its planned 805-mile border wall is misleading. As of April 17, 2025, the Texas Facilities Commission reported that approximately 61.8 miles of the border wall program had been completed (Texas Facilities Commission). This figure indicates significant progress beyond the 8-mile claim. Furthermore, the Texas Facilities Commission has closed on easements representing an additional 78.8 miles of wall, with ongoing construction at multiple locations across several counties (Texas Facilities Commission).
The assertion that only 8% of the wall is complete refers to a different context, as it appears to be a misinterpretation of the overall progress reported by various sources. The Texas Tribune noted that only 8% of the 805 miles identified for construction were complete, which translates to approximately 64.4 miles (Texas Tribune). This discrepancy arises from the fact that the wall's total planned length is 805 miles, while the completed sections and those under construction are reported separately.
Analysis
The claim that Texas has built only 8 miles of its planned border wall lacks accuracy when considering the latest reports from the Texas Facilities Commission. The commission's updates indicate that as of mid-April 2025, 61.8 miles of the wall had been completed, which contradicts the assertion of only 8 miles built (Texas Facilities Commission).
While the Texas Tribune's report that only 8% of the wall is complete aligns with the total planned length of 805 miles, it does not reflect the actual miles constructed. The confusion may stem from the distinction between total planned mileage and actual completed segments. The Texas Facilities Commission has consistently reported progress in terms of completed miles and ongoing construction, which supports the assertion that the project is advancing more than the claim suggests.
Additionally, the sources reporting the 8-mile figure may not have adequately clarified the context of their statements, leading to potential misinterpretation. The Texas Tribune and other outlets have reported on the challenges and funding issues surrounding the project, but these do not negate the progress that has been made (Texas Tribune).
Conclusion
Verdict: False. The claim that Texas has built only 8 miles of its planned 805-mile border wall is inaccurate. As of April 2025, the Texas Facilities Commission reported that approximately 61.8 miles of the wall had been completed. The confusion appears to arise from a misinterpretation of the percentage of the total planned wall that has been constructed, rather than an accurate reflection of the actual miles built.
Sources
- Texas Facilities Commission - Texas.gov
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