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August 24, 2020

Chairman Thompson Demands Documents from DHS on Interactions with We Build the Wall

(WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seeking documents regarding interactions between DHS—including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and all other component agencies—with We Build the Wall, including interactions regarding projects built by Fisher Sand and Gravel Co. and any of its subsidiaries in Sunland Park, New Mexico, and Mission, Texas, in 2019.

In the past, DHS Officials have touted We Build the Wall’s efforts – and representatives of We Build the Wall have attempted to use officials’ comments to legitimize their projects.  For example, on November 20, 2019, DHS officials, including Chad Wolf, praised We Build the Wall’s New Mexico project at a public press event.  CBP El Paso Sector Chief Gloria Chavez touted the privately built, half-mile barrier as a “game changer” and “very effective.”  We Build the Wall claims on their website that the New Mexico project “utilizes a multi-tiered high tech system to detect and deter would be illegal aliens from crossing” and that “US Border Patrol Agents praise the high tech system as the most advanced border wall on the entire US Border.” 

The Committee has requested all documents and communication regarding DHS’ interactions with We Build the Wall, as well as documents and communication regarding We Build the Wall’s projects in New Mexico and Texas, by September 6, 2020.

Link to Letter

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