PHOENIX (AZFamily) — The U.S. government is rapidly advancing construction on new sections of the border wall along southern Arizona and New Mexico as part of its ongoing efforts to secure the southern border.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem recently issued waivers permitting the expedited construction of approximately 36 miles of border wall in these regions, the department announced on Thursday.

These new waivers complement a previously issued waiver for border wall construction in California, also signed by Secretary Noem.

The waivers grant DHS the authority to bypass certain environmental regulations, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), to accelerate the construction timeline. DHS described the projects as “critical steps to secure the southern border and reinforce our commitment to border security.”

The specific projects covered by the new waivers include:

• El Paso Sector Santa Teresa Secondary Wall Project (around 7 miles)
• El Paso Sector 16-4 Wall Project in Anapra (about 1.3 miles)
• El Paso Sector 2 Wall Project & Port of Entry (POE) Gate (approximately 0.2 mile & 40 feet)
• Yuma Sector Barry M. Goldwater Range (BMGR) Wall Project addressing 7 gaps ranging from 40 to 240 feet
• Tucson Sonoita Project (about 24.7 miles)
• Tucson 10-4 Project (roughly 0.2 mile)
• Tucson 10-6 Project (approximately 2.1 miles)

DHS emphasized that these construction efforts aim to close remaining gaps in the border wall infrastructure, significantly boosting border security across the El Paso, Tucson, and Yuma sectors.

• Environmental Waivers: The waivers exempt the DHS from complying with various environmental laws that typically require thorough impact assessments, enabling faster project execution. Critics argue this could lead to ecological harm, while supporters claim border security takes precedence.
• Border Security Impact: Proponents highlight that filling these gaps will reduce illegal crossings and improve the efficiency of border patrol operations in critical sectors known for high activity.
• Legal and Political Controversies: The use of environmental waivers remains a contentious issue. Opponents, including environmental groups and some local communities, warn about potential damage to wildlife habitats, water resources, and culturally significant sites.
• Ongoing Federal Efforts: This announcement continues the broader federal push initiated under former President Trump to strengthen physical barriers along the southern border, which has been a central policy focus and political flashpoint for years.
• Community Reactions: Residents and stakeholders in border regions have mixed reactions, with some expressing relief over increased security and others concerned about disruptions and environmental consequences.

Originally reported by Mitchell Koch in AZ Family.