Biden Administration Implements Black Paint for Border Wall to Deter Climbers
The Biden administration is taking a significant step in its ongoing efforts at the US-Mexico border by announcing plans to paint the entire border wall black. This initiative is designed to raise temperatures on the wall and make it more challenging for individuals attempting to scale it, a concept that has been credited to former President Donald Trump. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem made this announcement while visiting a segment of the border in New Mexico.
An Expanding Border Wall with New Strategic Features
Noem stated that each day, construction crews are putting up approximately half a mile (0.8 km) of the black painted wall, contributing to the nearly 2,000-mile (3,218 km) border separating the US from Mexico. This recent effort is part of a broader policy package, which earlier this summer allocated a staggering $46 billion (£34 billion) for further border wall construction. The administration has confirmed that efforts to tighten border security have led to a notable drop in undocumented border crossings, with recent government reports showing sharp declines in apprehensions and detention rates.
Highlighting the practical reasons behind the decision to apply black paint, Noem remarked, “The president understands that in the hot temperatures down here, when something is painted black it gets even warmer and it will make it even harder for people to climb.” Additionally, Border Patrol officials pointed out that the black paint could help in preventing rust on the structure, thereby extending its durability.
New Developments Along the Rio Grande
In further efforts to enhance the border’s security, Noem mentioned that plans include the installation of more “waterborne infrastructure” along the Rio Grande, which constitutes over half of the border. Although she did not elaborate on the specifics of these enhancements, state initiatives have included large orange floating barriers and fortified fencing along the riverbanks, monitored by Texas law enforcement and the National Guard.
Recent statistics indicate a significant drop in undetected crossings and detentions since Trump’s return to office, with figures recorded at approximately 4,600 in July and 6,000 in June—a decrease of 92% compared to the same months last year. Under previous Biden administration strategies, daily detention rates sometimes soared to around 6,000 individuals.
Statistics on Border Detentions
| Month | Estimated Detentions | Year-on-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| June | 6,000 | -92% |
| July | 4,600 | -92% |
Controversies and Criticism
Despite these reported successes, immigration advocates have raised concerns regarding the administration’s approach, criticizing that many individuals apprehended do not have any significant criminal history or have only minor infractions on their records. In a statement earlier this month, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reported that around 300,000 undocumented immigrants have been detained in the interior of the country since January, emphasizing that the administration’s focus remains on individuals with criminal backgrounds.
The stark reduction in border crossings and the ongoing efforts for enhanced security underscore the Biden administration’s commitment to addressing immigration challenges, while hinting at a contentious balance between enforcement and humane considerations in the evolving landscape of US immigration policy.
