CBP is committed to building, operating, and maintaining tactical infrastructure in an environmentally responsible manner. Environmental planning helps CBP carry out this commitment. As a part of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, CBP works in a collaborative manner with local government, State, Tribal, and Federal land managers, as well as with the interested public, to identify, understand, and, to the extent possible, minimize impacts to the environment.

Given the importance of border infrastructure to securing the nation’s borders, as a part of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA), Congress gave the Secretary of DHS the authority to waive legal requirements that are an impediment to expeditious construction. Even in those instances where the Secretary utilizes the waiver authority, however, DHS and CBP remain committed to responsible environmental planning and stewardship. For those projects that are the subject of the Secretary’s waiver authority, CBP prepares Environmental Stewardship Plans (ESPs), as appropriate, and works collaboratively with State and Federal resources agencies, affected landowners, and other stakeholders to identify and minimize potential impacts.

CBP is also committed to consultation with the Department of the Interior; the Department of Agriculture; State, local and Tribal governments; and property owners in the United States to minimize the impact on the environment, culture, commerce, and quality of life for the communities and residents located near the sites at which such tactical infrastructure is to be constructed.

CBP is building tactical infrastructure in several areas along the border within the USBP El Paso Sector. The tactical infrastructure projects being implemented in the El Paso Sector are grouped below according to fence type. Project specific ESPs have been prepared for each of these projects prior to the start of major construction. As each ESP for pedestrian and vehicle fence is approved, it is being posted to this website and can be accessed via the links provided below.

Copies of the ESP have been sent to the local libraries. For additional copies of the ESP or for general inquiries, the public may e-mail BorderFencePlanning@cbp.gov or send written requests to:

Mr. Loren Flossman
Director, FM&E OBP PMO
1301 Constitution Avenue, NW
West Building, B-155
Washington, DC 20229

Phone: 1-877-CBP-5511 (toll-free)

For media inquiries, please phone the CBP Office of Public Affairs at (202) 344-1780.