local
Trump administration’s $46 billion 'smart wall' races ahead on the US-Mexico border
By Rebecca Santana, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio
· July 2, 2026
· 6 min read
For decades, all that separated the U.S. from Mexico was barbed wire.Now, after a massive infusion of cash from Congress, President Donald Trump's administration is swiftly building what it has dubbed a “smart wall,” a combination of 30-foot-tall (9-meter-tall) steel fencing and an array of sophi...
Key takeaway The wall is under heavy scrutiny for the billions of dollars being dedicated to it when border crossings are at their lowest in decades.
Why this matters in Terrell Hills News
The construction of the "smart wall" along the US-Mexico border has significant implications for Terrell Hills and the surrounding San Antonio area. As the wall and its accompanying surveillance technology continue to expand, local communities may face increased militarization and a heightened presence of Border Patrol agents. This could lead to changes in the daily lives of residents, particularly those living in proximity to the border. The economic impact of the wall's construction is also a concern, as the $46 billion investment could potentially divert funds from other critical local infrastructure projects. Furthermore, the wall's effects on local wildlife and ecosystems are still unknown, and its construction may disrupt natural habitats and migration patterns in the region. As the project moves forward, Terrell Hills residents should remain vigilant and engaged in the conversation about the wall's impact on their community.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Terrell Hills News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio ·
Reading time: 6 min
Get more Terrell Hills News stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? For decades, all that separated the U.S. from Mexico was barbed wire.Now, after a massive infusion of cash from Congress, President Donald Trump's administration is swiftly building what it has dubbed a “smart wall,” a combination of 30-foot-tall (9-meter-tall) steel fencing and an array of sophi...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio and curated for Terrell Hills News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Rebecca Santana, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio. To learn more about how Terrell Hills News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Terrell Hills News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter