A Texas Republican senator has raised objections to the Trump administration's plan to construct a border barrier through federally and state-protected parkland in his state. In correspondence released this week, Cornyn cautioned that construction activities could harm natural environments, disturb archaeological and cultural sites associated with indigenous peoples, disrupt wildlife populations, and threaten the tourism economy dependent on these preserved areas.

The concerns focus on two significant Big Bend region parks that face potential impacts from the barrier construction. The senator's intervention reflects internal Republican disagreement over whether border security priorities should override environmental and heritage protections for public lands.