DHS issues new waiver to speed construction of border wall in California

The Trump administration issued a new waiver Tuesday allowing it to breach environmental laws to replace border fencing in southern California — though officials said they still intend to try to comply with as much of the law as possible. It’s the latest use of the waiver powers, which Congress has given to the Homeland Security Department. Earlier this year the Trump administration issued waivers for San Diego to prepare for testing of prototypes for President Trump’s border wall. In the case of Tuesday’s waivers, they will help Customs and Border Protection (CBP) replace several miles of fencing near the Calexico port of entry. The money for that replacement project was included in the 2017 Homeland Security spending bill, and construction is expected to begin next February. The goal is to upgrade old-style pedestrian fencing with the newer “bollard” style fence that agents say gives them more visibility for what’s happening on the other side of the border...more