Southwest Valley employees survey an area in the parking lot of a river access area off of Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive in Big Bend National Park on Aug. 13, 2026.

Credit: Texas Tribune / Kaylee Greenlee EL PASO - A judge on Friday blocked further border barrier construction in the Big Bend region, approving an environmental group's motion for a preliminary injunction.

At the end of Friday's hearing, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Cardone asked the courtroom to remain calm while she read her order aloud from the bench.