CBP Requests Public Input on 63-Mile Waterborne Barrier System Planned for Maverick County
EAGLE PASS, TX — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced a major border security project involving the construction of approximately 63 miles of waterborne barrier system along the Rio Grande in Maverick County. The agency is requesting public input before November 28, 2025, to assess potential impacts on the environment, cultural resources, quality of life, and local commerce.
The project will take place within the U.S. Border Patrol’s Del Rio Sector. According to CBP, the new construction is intended to enhance operational capabilities in one of the nation’s busiest and most challenged border regions. The announcement was issued on October 27, 2025, by Paul Enriquez, Infrastructure Portfolio Director for the Program Management Office Directorate of U.S. Border Patrol.
Scope of the 63-Mile Project
CBP plans to construct and maintain roughly 40 miles of waterborne barrier and associated roads near the U.S. Border Patrol Eagle Pass Station. Another 23 miles of barrier and roadwork will follow the river west of the Eagle Pass South Station. When combined, these segments create an estimated 63-mile system intended to support patrol operations and reduce unauthorized crossings.
The barrier system will consist of a continuous string of floating buoys between four and five feet in diameter. CBP documents indicate the project will also involve access roads, newly built or improved pathways, anchoring systems to secure barriers to the riverbed, bridges designed to connect land to river segments, boat ramps, fiber-optic and power lines to support the system, and protective shield structures. Patrol roads will run alongside the barrier to meet tactical border infrastructure standards. Vegetation clearing and the establishment of staging areas for equipment and materials are also expected.
DHS Waiver Issued to Expedite Construction
The Department of Homeland Security issued an environmental and regulatory waiver on October 27, 2025, under authority granted through Section 102(b)(1)(C) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act. The waiver allows the project to move forward more quickly by suspending certain legal requirements that ordinarily apply to major federal construction efforts. CBP states that waivers of this type are used when border security infrastructure is considered critical.
Environmental Review and Public Comment
CBP is now in the environmental review and planning phase. The agency is inviting residents, landowners, tribal representatives, local officials, and other stakeholders to submit comments addressing any potential impacts associated with the project. CBP is encouraging fact-based input supported by data or observations. The agency asks commenters to identify specific areas of concern when possible so the project team can evaluate individual locations along the river.
All comments submitted will become part of the public record. CBP is accepting comments by email, mail, and phone until November 28, 2025. The project materials, including Spanish-language versions, are available through CBP’s Environmental Management web pages.
How to Submit Comments
Comments may be emailed to DelRioComments@cbp.dhs.gov, phoned in to (833) 412-2056, or mailed to the Program Management Office Directorate at U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Washington, D.C. CBP requests that all responses reference “Del Rio Waterborne Barrier System Construction” to ensure proper routing.
Project Location and Map Details
The map provided by CBP outlines the path of the planned barrier system. The northern portion, associated with the Eagle Pass Station, is marked in red. The southern segment, tied to the Eagle Pass South Station, is marked in blue. The full 63-mile span crosses key areas along the Rio Grande, including ranchland, colonia regions, agricultural zones, and well-known crossing points historically used for migration and smuggling activity.
The project will establish new physical infrastructure in areas where Border Patrol agents have struggled with access, visibility, and patrol efficiency. The barrier system is expected to alter how agents monitor and respond along the riverbank.
CBP Thanks Community for Participation
In the official correspondence, Enriquez expressed appreciation for public involvement in the review process. He emphasized that community input will help CBP evaluate the full scope of the project’s impacts before construction begins. The agency will review all received comments and determine whether adjustments or mitigation measures are needed based on local concerns.
The Maverick Times will continue monitoring developments and will publish updates as the project advances through environmental review and planning.
About The Author
I have just become aware that the expiration date for comments to the 63 miles barrier in the Rio Grande River is November 28, 2025. My concern is that my land is approximately half mile from the Rio Grande River specifically the water plant. I have approximately 800 feet of canal water front and numerous illegal aliens have used this road next to the water canal to travel north or northeast. My property has numerous roads or trails that are used by illegal aliens and Border Patrol vehicle, to travel looking or running after illegal aliens. These road are not maintain by Border Patrol, but in poor condition. Can you bring these roads up to standard, so that vehicles can travel on them.