The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) allocates $46.5 billion to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for “physical barriers” along the Mexican border. This includes the construction of 701 miles of primary wall, 900 miles of river barriers, and 629 miles of secondary barriers, along with the replacement of 141 miles of existing vehicle and pedestrian barriers.
According to Ed Sullivan of The Sullivan Report, funds are available through Sept. 30, 2030, giving the DHS a five-year window to plan and execute projects. During the first round of wall building under President Trump’s first administration, it took roughly one year from the executive order for building to begin. If similar timing materializes, construction probably won’t begin until the second half of 2026 or early 2027.
“It is important to note that very little construction is expected to materialize during the next 12 months,” said Sullivan. “Thereafter, construction in the second half of 2026 accelerates reaching peak consumption in 2027 and gradually retreating in subsequent years. Keep in mind, some of the land, particularly along the Rio Grande is privately owned. Building the wall could involve lengthy legal battles and eminent domain issues that could slowdown and reduce realized construction.”
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