Environmentalists seek to block New Mexico border wall work
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A coalition of environment groups filed a lawsuit Thursday seeking to stop work to replace existing vehicle barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border in southern New Mexico.
The lawsuit filed in federal court in Washington, D.C. claims the U.S. Department of Homeland Security does not have authority to waive environmental laws as a way to speed construction along a 20-mile stretch near the Santa Teresa port of entry.
The $73 million contract for the work was awarded to a Montana company in February, but it's unclear when construction will start.
The move follows a stymied legal effort by environmentalists to halt border wall work in California.