DHS Secretary Testifies Border Wall Primary Phase on Track for June 2027 Completion, Secondary Phase for 2028

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin told the House Homeland Security Committee on June 3 that the primary border wall stretching from the Pacific to the Gulf of America remains on schedule for completion by June 2027. Mullin said all contracts for that primary barrier will be awarded by the end of June 2026. ” Mullin distinguished the primary wall from a planned secondary barrier.

He said the first wall is required because cartels cut through fencing in remote areas before responders can arrive. “Every mile of fencing put up makes the choke point smaller for criminals to cross,” Mullin told the committee. He added that secondary 150-foot walls will be installed at selected locations.

The department will also deploy a “smart wall” system that detects the number of people present and dispatches drones for immediate surveillance, Mullin said. He projected that the secondary wall could be finished by summer 2028 if current progress and partnerships continue. “All of the primary and secondary wall will be fully completed,” he stated.

Mullin said he has made multiple oversight trips and flown over large sections of the construction. He noted that the department responds promptly to concerns raised by Democratic members of Congress and senators. Fox News reported that Mullin was sworn in before the House committee in Washington on June 3.