In Starr County, Texas, a seemingly tranquil landscape hides the ongoing debate over border security in the United States.
Gently rolling hills, quaint towns reminiscent of old Westerns, and the proximity to the US-Mexico border make this area a focal point for the immigration issue.
On Wednesday, the Biden administration announced plans to construct approximately 20 miles of border wall in the region. This decision marked a sharp departure from President Biden's earlier commitment not to build "another foot of wall" during his presidency, which he halted on his first day in office.
The decision has reignited the contentious debate surrounding border walls. Former President Trump ordered renovations and fortifications for nearly 460 miles of the border, with about 50 miles being new construction. Calls for additional barriers have persisted among some Republican lawmakers amid rising migrant numbers at the southern border.
The effectiveness of border walls is a divisive issue. While Department of Homeland Security data from 2020 suggests that new walls reduced illegal entries in some areas by nearly 90%, academic studies have yielded more modest results. One study found that the wall did not significantly reduce detentions and crossings, while another suggested that the barriers may not be more effective than hiring additional border agents.
The Biden administration has consistently expressed its belief that barriers are ineffective, instead favoring other measures to address border security.
Experts point out that even tall, solid barriers are not impervious, as migrants often find ways to breach them using ladders or ropes. Walls may pose a greater challenge for vulnerable individuals, but they do not deter determined individuals or asylum seekers.
In border communities, reactions to the new wall extension vary. Some residents support a strong border but oppose the wall due to environmental concerns or potential risks to migrants.
Others acknowledge the need for a barrier but worry about its impact on the environment and migrant safety.
Border walls have been a recurring theme in US immigration policy. Every recent president, including Obama, has built or enhanced portions of barriers along the border, with little long-term impact on migration flows.
In light of these complexities, it remains to be seen whether the new border wall section in Starr County will effectively address border security concerns or reignite debates over its true efficacy.