Trump administration, close to completing 724 km of the wall 0:35
(CNN) -
President Donald Trump will give a final boost to his administration's focus on immigration with a trip to his iconic border wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.
The visit comes shortly after a deadly riot on Capitol Hill incited by the president and as House Democrats prepare a second impeachment vote against him.
Border wall construction proceeds at full throttle in the final days of the Trump administration
On Tuesday, Trump is scheduled to travel to Alamo, Texas, near the border, to oversee the completion of more than 700 kilometers of the wall, a trip to satisfy supporters who put him in office in 2016 despite rising surges. tensions across the country and a raging pandemic.
The border wall, which Trump repeatedly cited as an achievement over the past four years, cost US taxpayers, not Mexico, billions and became an emblem of the president's restrictive immigration policies, which largely they prevented the arrival of immigrants and refugees to the United States.
High voltage
On the eve of the visit, Mayor Jim Darling of neighboring McAllen, Texas, acknowledged that tensions are high.
This will be Trump's first public appearance since he spoke on the National Mall last Wednesday, shortly before his supporters made their way to the United States Capitol.
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"I understand that emotions are stirring on both sides, for or against the president, and I hope that if there are demonstrations for or against, they will be peaceful with regard to our security forces," said Darling.
Since January 2017, approximately $ 15 billion has been identified to build more than 1,000 kilometers of border wall through different funds, including those available through Trump's national emergency declaration.
Of the roughly 700+ kilometers, most replace old and dilapidated barriers with a new, improved system of walls, a marked difference from previously built fencing in some regions.
Some 75 kilometers of wall have been erected where barriers previously did not exist, according to Customs and Border Protection.
Pressure in Trump's final days
In the final days of the Trump presidency, the White House continues to pressure relevant federal agencies to allocate available funds for the wall, regardless of whether land has been obtained for construction, CNN learned, a move apparently aimed at immobilize funds prior to the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.
Biden's desire to stop the border wall could be arduous and expensive
Customs and Border Protection said last week that it is making progress on awarding border wall contracts, even in areas where private land has not been acquired, an unusual move that will complicate Biden's promise to stop construction.
Former acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf repeatedly promoted the border wall and pace of construction.
On Monday, Wolf resigned, citing ongoing litigation that challenges the validity of his appointment.
The Trump administration took a series of steps to erect additional barriers along the southern border, including declaring a national emergency to access additional funding, filing dozens of lawsuits to acquire private land, and waiving environmental laws. and contracting to accelerate construction.
As construction progressed, the leaders of the Department of Homeland Security rotated repeatedly and those at the top were often in the position of having to appease the president's whims about the border wall, according to a former department official, who He cited the push to paint the wall black and add spikes despite having no operational value.
Trouble for Biden
Trump's wall is likely to continue to be a point of contention in the new administration.
"Building a wall will do little to deter criminals and cartels seeking to take advantage of our borders," says Biden's plan.
“Instead of stealing resources from schools for military children and for recovery efforts in Puerto Rico, Biden will direct federal resources to smart border control efforts, such as investments to improve inspection infrastructure at our ports of entry, which in they will actually keep America safer. "
Biden's promise to stop construction sparked discussions among Customs and Border Protection officials about what would happen in that situation, particularly if funds are cut, according to a Homeland Security official.
A US official previously told CNN that some contracts may be modified and government lawyers are discussing what happens to the acquisition of private land, but no decisions have been made.
Border wall
