New “Smart Wall” contracts awarded to expand U.S.–Mexico barrier

The U.S. government has awarded 10 construction contracts worth $4.5 billion to expand border security infrastructure along the southwest border.

These contracts will fund about 230 miles of new barriers, part of an expanded “Smart Wall” system combining steel fencing, waterborne walls, patrol roads, lighting, surveillance, and detection technologies. 

Seven of the contracts, issued in September, went to the BCCG Joint Venture partnership.

To speed work under tight timelines, DHS Secretary Kristin Noem signed two waivers: one for nine miles in the San Diego sector and another for 30 miles in New Mexico’s El Paso sector. These waivers remove certain procedural and possibly environmental or regulatory hurdles.

Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott praised the move, stating that the “Smart Wall” expansion will increase operational capacity for agents on the ground.

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