Rep. Gallego Reacts to Release of Documents Detailing Plans for Trump’s Border Wall
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) released the following statement in reaction to the disclosure of planning documents obtained by the Texas Observer related to the construction of President Trump's border wall:
"The grave concerns voiced by border communities about President Trump's wall were confirmed by the documents obtained by the Texas Observer.
"They prove that fulfilling this divisive campaign promise will require the use of eminent domain to seize property from our fellow citizens, including land that will be used for what the documents disturbingly term as ‘enforcement zones.' They also conclusively show that hundreds of Americans will be forced from their homes, including seniors, and that the wall will impact local drinking water supplies and flood mitigation measures. Moreover, the documents verify that the Administration is preparing for construction in environmentally sensitive areas, including the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge.
"Every American should be alarmed that, as these papers clearly show, planning for the wall is already well underway. We should also be angry that it took a FOIA request to bring this critical information to light. Trump's pointless wall will hurt border communities and send a powerful message of hate. I'm hopeful that these troubling disclosures will strengthen Democrats' resolve as budget negotiations heat up in the coming weeks."