Government says Mexico border wall prototypes complete
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) said Thursday that it had completed construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall prototypes.
The prototypes, constructed in San Diego, will now enter a "testing and evaluation period" lasting 30 to 60 days, according to CBP. In this timeframe, the agency says it will determine which wall design elements best counter climbing, digging and other breaching efforts.
"Border security contributes to our overall national security and relies on a combination of border infrastructure, technology, personnel, and partnerships," said CBP acting Deputy Commissioner Ron Vitiello.
"Border walls have proven to be an extremely effective part of our multi-pronged security strategy to prevent the illegal migration of people and drugs over the years. Specifically, walls are part of a border enforcement zone, which includes patrol roads, lights and surveillance technology. These border enforcement zones give our men and women of CBP the best possible conditions to maintain a safe and secure border."
The six companies that built the eight mockup border walls are:
- Caddell Construction Co. (DE), LLC
- Fisher Sand & Gravel Co., DBA Fisher Industries
- Texas Sterling Construction Co.
- W. G. Yates & Sons Construction Company
- KWR Construction, Inc.
- ELTA North America Inc.
President Trump, who has promised the U.S.-Mexico border wall since the early days of his candidacy, issued the "Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Improvements" executive order on January 25, which calls for "the immediate construction of a physical wall on the southern border."
Some of the prototypes are composed of concrete while others are made from different materials. Each costs up to $500,000.