Trump Commits $8 Billion to “Smart Wall” as Border Construction Accelerates

Thomas J. Smith (Staff Writer)
Dec 19, 2025
2 min read

President Donald Trump has committed more than $8 billion to a major new phase of southern border construction, advancing what U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials describe as a “Smart Wall”—an integrated border security system combining physical barriers with advanced surveillance technology. — President Donald Trump has committed more than **$8 billion** to a major new phase of southern border construction, advancing what U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials describe as a **“Smart Wall”**—an integrated border security system combining physical barriers with advanced surveillance technology.

In the latest round of awards, the Trump administration approved five new construction contracts totaling $3.3 billion, funding 97 miles of primary border barrier, 19 miles of secondary wall, and 66 miles of waterborne barriers across Texas and Arizona, according to CBP and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announcements.

These awards follow $4.5 billion in border construction contracts issued earlier this fall, bringing total border infrastructure spending under Trump’s second term to approximately $8 billion.

$46.5 Billion Authorized Through 2029

The funding is authorized under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” passed by Congress in July, which allocates $46.5 billion specifically for border wall construction and completion through fiscal year 2029.

The plan calls for:

1,418 miles of primary “Smart Wall”
708 miles of secondary barriers
536 miles of waterborne barriers
Expanded use of cameras, lighting, patrol roads, and advanced detection sensors

CBP officials emphasize the system is designed to provide continuous border coverage, particularly in areas where rugged terrain makes traditional wall construction impractical. — CBP officials emphasize the system is designed to provide **continuous border coverage**, particularly in areas where rugged terrain makes traditional wall construction impractical.

Construction Restarted After Biden Halt

Border wall construction was halted in 2021 when President Joe Biden canceled existing contracts upon taking office. However, FY2021 appropriated funds for border wall construction did not expire, leaving billions of dollars unused.

After returning to office in January 2025, President Trump authorized DHS to resume construction using the remaining funds. Congress later reinforced the effort by approving additional multi-year funding in Trump’s budget package.

Environmental Waivers Issued to Accelerate Work

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has issued nine statutory waivers since October, allowing border construction to proceed without extended environmental reviews. DHS argues the

waivers are necessary to address urgent national security and border enforcement needs.

According to DHS, additional contracts are scheduled to be released through 2029, ensuring continued construction over the next several years.

Technology-Driven Border Security

The “Smart Wall” approach places heavy emphasis on technology:

536 miles of the border will rely primarily on detection and surveillance technology rather than physical barriers
549 miles will receive technology upgrades to barriers left incomplete after Biden halted construction
Surveillance systems will feed directly into CBP’s operational command centers

BP Commissioner Rodney Scott has described the system as an effort to move beyond static fencing toward real-time situational awareness along southern border.

Larger Scale Than First Term

During his first term, President Trump oversaw the construction of approximately 455 miles of border barrier, much of it replacing existing fencing. The current effort represents a larger, more comprehensive build-out, integrating physical infrastructure with modern enforcement technology.