Overview
- An internal update memo described by Axios said roughly 200 miles of awarded barrier work awaited Secretary Kristi Noem’s signature, a claim DHS publicly disputes.
- A senior DHS official told Axios the contracts are in headquarters review and not at Noem’s desk, while the department’s spokesperson said no border wall contracts are pending the secretary.
- A CBP document reported by the Washington Examiner listed projects in Laredo, Del Rio, and Big Bend totaling about 102 miles of wall and 93 miles of water barriers as pending “S1” approval; DHS said wall contracts are not subject to the $100,000 sign‑off process and none await her review.
- Noem instituted personal review of DHS contracts over $100,000 last year, a policy critics say slows approvals, as DHS points to environmental waivers and more than $13 billion in claimed savings under her tenure.
- Officials cite hurdles including land acquisition and procurement, with CBP noting steel purchases and projects in El Centro and El Paso awaiting department approval, and Noem plans a border wall update in Nogales, Arizona, today.