Trump’S $46 Billion Border Wall Push Triggers Fierce Showdown With Mexico Over Treaties

While many thought border wall construction would pause between presidential terms, Trump’s administration has already awarded its first major contract for new sections. Granite Construction Co. secured a $70 million deal to build barriers in Hidalgo County, marking the beginning of what could become a massive $46 billion border security project.

The Rio Grande Valley remains ground zero for this construction push, targeting areas with historically high illegal entry rates. These new wall sections feature impressive engineering, including 30-foot-high steel gates designed to lift during heavy rains. Think of them as giant garage doors that prevent flooding—at least, that’s the plan.

Mexico isn’t exactly thrilled about these developments. Mexican officials claim the construction violates two key agreements: the 1977 Minute 258 and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. According to Mexico, any construction affecting shared waterways requires mutual approval, which they say never happened. The U.S. has basically responded with “national security trumps treaties” (pun intended).

US basically says national security trumps treaties when Mexico protests border wall construction

The Tijuana River wall section has become particularly controversial. The border wall built across the Tijuana River is nearly finished as of January 10, 2025. Environmental experts warn that if those fancy flood gates malfunction, both countries could face catastrophic flooding. It’s like building a dam without consulting your downstream neighbors—except the neighbors share your backyard. The EPA opposed the wall due to environmental concerns, claiming CBP’s flood modeling didn’t account for sediment buildup that could worsen flooding.

The International Boundary and Water Commission finds itself caught in the middle, trying to negotiate between two countries that seem determined to disagree. While they’ve held meetings and discussions, construction continues unabated.

Funding for these projects comes from previously allocated money, including Fiscal Year 2021 appropriations. This creative accounting has raised eyebrows among budget hawks who question using old funds for new contracts.

Local communities face mixed economic impacts: construction jobs boost employment, but environmental concerns worry residents.

The showdown between the U.S. and Mexico over these treaty issues shows no signs of cooling down. As steel barriers rise along the border, so do tensions between neighbors who share more than just a fence line. Whether these walls will enhance security or create new problems remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain: this border dispute won’t be resolved with a simple handshake agreement.