Federal Judge Enjoins Border Wall Construction in Texas' Big Bend Sector and Stays the Big Bend Waivers

A written order exists. In Friends of the Ruidosa Church et al. v. Mullin et al., No. 3:26-cv-01099-KC (W.D. Tex., El Paso Division), brought by Friends of the Ruidosa Church, Danny William Miller Junior and the Center for Biological Diversity, Judge Kathleen Cardone granted a preliminary injunction in a written order signed on the 2nd day of October, 2026. Inside Climate News reported that she granted the injunction Friday to halt construction on the border wall in the Big Bend sector, including the national and state parks. The order finds that plaintiffs are “likely to succeed on the merits of at least one of the claims in suit.” It states no legal ground, and says “A memorandum opinion will follow.”

The order enjoins the defendants: they “SHALL NOT build border barrier or related infrastructure, or engage in any construction or ground disturbing activities, in the Big Bend Sector until and unless Defendants comply with all applicable laws.” It also provides that the effect of all “Big Bend Waivers” is STAYED for the duration of the injunction, naming the “West Waiver,” 91 Fed. Reg. 7297, among them. Inside Climate News reports the sector spans more than 500 miles across West Texas. The Big Bend Sentinel reports that infrastructure there totals over $7.5 billion in government contracts and that six lawsuits have been filed over the Big Bend wall; the filings read do not state either figure.

The defendants moved for a memorandum opinion and a stay of the injunction pending a petition for certiorari in a motion dated October 8, 2026, which says the Office of the Solicitor General intends to seek Supreme Court review of this Court’s preliminary injunction.