The New Texan
Central Texas EditionTuesday, May 19, 2026

BORDER WATCH

Scott-Free

CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott promised no border wall would reach Big Bend National Park. A $1.7 billion federal contract with the park's name on it arrived seven days later.

Rio Grande through Big Bend National Park
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)
The New Texan staffMay 19, 2026

On one side: a public statement from the nation's top border enforcement official. On the other: a federal contract award carrying the same location's name. Both are from the same seven-day window. Neither has been reconciled by the agency that issued them.

Side A

What the Commissioner Said

Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott stated publicly that the agency would not build a border wall in Big Bend National Park. The statement was made approximately one week before a major federal construction contract was awarded. No clarification or follow-up from Scott or CBP has been reported explaining how the two positions fit together.

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Side B

What the Contract Said

The federal government awarded a $1.7 billion construction contract described as being 'for border wall in Big Bend.' The award came roughly one week after Scott's denial, generating documented public confusion over what, exactly, is planned for the region. No agency explanation bridging the commissioner's statement and the contract language has been reported.

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