Fact Check: "Texas has only built 8 miles of its planned 805-mile border wall."
What We Know
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced plans for a state-funded border wall in 2021, with an ambitious goal of constructing 805 miles along the Texas-Mexico border. However, as of recent reports, only 8% of this planned wall has been completed, which translates to approximately 65 miles built at a cost exceeding $3 billion (Texas Tribune, Yahoo News). The funding for the wall has been defunded, leaving the future of the project uncertain, and the state has indicated that it may not continue to pursue the wall construction actively (Texas Tribune).
Analysis
The claim that Texas has built only 8 miles of its planned 805-mile border wall is supported by multiple credible sources. The Texas Tribune reported that the state has completed just 8% of the wall, which aligns with the figure of 65 miles constructed (Texas Tribune). This report is particularly reliable as it comes from a well-regarded local news outlet known for its investigative journalism.
Additionally, the Texas Facilities Commission has confirmed that only 10.08 miles of the wall have been constructed as of 2023, which further substantiates the claim (Texas Facilities Commission). However, this figure may include segments that are not part of the main construction effort, reflecting the fragmented nature of the project.
Critically, the defunding of the wall project has been noted, with state lawmakers deciding to redirect funds away from wall construction to other border security measures, such as the Texas National Guard and Department of Public Safety (Texas Tribune). This decision indicates a significant shift in the state's approach to border security, further complicating the completion of the wall.
While some reports may vary slightly in the exact mileage completed, the consensus across multiple sources confirms that the construction has not progressed as initially planned, with only a small fraction of the wall built.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that Texas has only built 8 miles of its planned 805-mile border wall is accurate based on the evidence presented. The completion of approximately 65 miles, which constitutes about 8% of the total planned construction, is corroborated by reliable sources, and the defunding of the project raises questions about its future viability.
