local
Trump administration's $46 billion ‘smart wall' races ahead on U.S.-Mexico border
By Rebecca Santana | The Associated Press at NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS)
· 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 steel fencing and an array of sophisticated te...
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 The Trophy Club
The construction of the "smart wall" along the U.S.-Mexico border has significant implications for North Texas communities, including Trophy Club . As the wall's surveillance technology expands, local residents may see increased Border Patrol activity in the region. The wall's impact on border communities, as noted by critics, could also affect the flow of trade and commerce between the U.S. and Mexico, potentially influencing the local economy in Denton County. With the wall's construction progressing rapidly, Trophy Club residents may want to pay attention to how the project affects traffic and transportation in the area, particularly if the increased surveillance and border activity lead to changes in traffic patterns or wait times at ports of entry. As the project moves forward, it will be important to monitor how the "smart wall" affects the daily lives of those living in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) . The Trophy Club 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 NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) ·
Reading time: 6 min
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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 steel fencing and an array of sophisticated te...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) and curated for The Trophy Club readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Rebecca Santana | The Associated Press at NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS). To learn more about how The Trophy Club selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Trophy Club, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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