The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have announced the awarding of five new contracts worth $3.3 billion for the construction of Smart Wall infrastructure along the U.S.–Mexico border in Texas and Arizona. These new contracts bring the total amount awarded for Smart Wall construction to $8 billion.
Funding for these projects comes from President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The contracts are part of ongoing efforts to improve border security through advanced technology and physical barriers.
Rodney Scott, CBP Commissioner, stated: “Securing our border is key to protecting our country, keeping our communities safe, and making sure our immigration system works the way it should. A border wall with the right technology - a Smart Wall - is an important tool to stop illegal activity and to help agents do their job, which is critical in keeping America safe."
The Smart Wall system will feature steel bollard walls, roads, detection technology, cameras, lighting, waterborne barriers where needed, and in some areas a secondary wall for added security. The five new contracts will add 97 miles of primary border wall system, 19 miles of secondary border wall, and 66 miles of waterborne barrier system. Detection technology will be installed along these sections as well as approximately 149 miles where barriers already exist but lack full Smart Wall capabilities.
To speed up construction in key sectors such as El Centro, Tucson, El Paso, and Del Rio, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has issued nine waivers that were published in the Federal Register during October through December 2025.
CBP describes itself as America's largest law enforcement organization with over 67,000 personnel responsible for safeguarding land borders as well as air and sea approaches. The agency enforces travel and trade regulations while supporting national economic prosperity through innovation and collaboration.
Further details about Smart Wall projects can be found on CBP’s official website.
