Border Wall Archives

An aerial view of President Donald Trump's border wall prototypes as seen from Tijuana, Mexico, on January 7th, 2019.

How Many of Trump’s Border Wall Claims Are True?

In his primetime address, Trump will try to frame the border as a national emergency and a humanitarian crisis. But the current pressure—and exigence for the address—comes from the ongoing government shutdown.

Jack Herrera

View of the U.S.–Mexico border wall on January 7th, 2019, in Tijuana, Mexico.

News in Brief

The United States’ States of Emergencies

Trump's threat to use a national emergency for the border wall taps into a history of far-reaching executive power.

Emily Moon

A stretch of existing border wall cuts through the World Birding Center at the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse Museum less then 10 miles east of Granjeno.

The Global History Behind ‘Build the Wall!’

Since ancient times, border walls have simultaneously assuaged and stoked our fears of outsiders. But a history of walls can't tell the full story of civilization.

Peter C. Baker

Ammar Campa-Najjar, who is running against Congressman Duncan Hunter, speaks to reporters outside the San Diego Federal Courthouse during Congressman Hunter's arraignment hearing on Thursday, August 23rd, 2018 in San Diego, California.

How California’s 50th District House Race Could Affect Immigration Policy

The outcome of the race between indicted incumbent Duncan Hunter, a Republican, and Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar, could affect President Donald Trump's immigration policy, at least at California's border with Mexico.

Emma Sarappo

A Customs and Border Protection SUV on Cavazos' property.

Social Justice

With Family Plots and Migratory Hubs in Its Crosshairs, the Border Wall Looms Large in Texas

After securing over $500 million in March to build a border barrier, the Department of Homeland Security has begun laying the foundation for the first miles of Donald Trump's long-promised wall. The blueprint bisects federally protected public lands and dismembers private property that's been passed down for generations.

David Leffler