Three years into Donald Trump's presidency, the U.S. government is ramping up its efforts to seize the private land it needs to build a border wall in South Texas.
FILE - In this Nov. 7, 2019, file photo the first panels of levee border wall are seen at a construction site along the U.S.-Mexico border in Donna, Texas. Three years into Donald Trump's presidency, the U.S. government is finally ramping up its efforts to seize the private land it needs to build a border wall in South Texas.
Almost no land has been taken so far. But Department of Justice lawyers have filed three lawsuits this month seeking to take property from landowners. On Tuesday, lawyers moved to seize land in one case immediately before a scheduled court hearing in February. Opponents have lobbied Congress to limit funding and prevent construction in areas like the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, an important sanctuary for several endangered species of jaguars, birds, and other animals, as well as the nonprofit National Butterfly Center and a historic Catholic chapel. They have also filed several lawsuits.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection declined to comment on the issue of saturation at La Parida Banco, saying construction there was “currently in the design phase.” Roy Brandys, an attorney for the landowners, said both sides were close to settling and allowing the government to take the land, potentially within a week.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
How Donald Trump, Melania Trump, Trump family spends its billions - Business InsiderHere's how the Trump family spends their billions, from a $15 million beachfront estate in St. Martin to a $32 million fleet of private helicopters and airplanes
Read more »
U.S. Democrats seek high-profile trial for Trump in SenateSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell accused the House of succumbing to 'transient passions and factionalism' when it voted on Wednesday to impeach President Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress
Read more »
US lawmakers head home amid impasse over Trump impeachment trialTrump, a Republican, stands little chance of being convicted and removed from office by the Republican-controlled Senate, which will weigh the two impeachment charges that were passed on Wednesday by the Democratic-led House of Representatives.
Read more »
Space Force becomes the newest US military service after Trump signs defense billSpace Force becomes the newest US military service after Pres. Trump signs defense bill.
Read more »
Putin says Trump was impeached for 'fabricated reasons,' calls new US sanctions 'unfriendly'In a news conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin defended President Trump in his impeachment and discussed US sanctions, reelection and Ukraine
Read more »