Southern border wall will be painted black to make it ‘even harder for people to climb,’ DHS Secretary Kristi Noem says 

The Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem, recently announced a new initiative to paint the entire southern border wall black. This decision was made in an effort to deter illegal crossings by making the structure too hot to scale when exposed to the sun. President Trump himself ordered this new paint job, which will cover approximately 700 miles of the border wall along the US-Mexico boundary.

During a press conference in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, Secretary Noem explained that the black paint will absorb more heat, making it difficult for individuals to climb the wall. The steel structure of the border wall is already tall and deep into the ground, making it challenging to climb or dig under. The addition of black paint is meant to further discourage illegal border-crossers from attempting to breach the barrier.

In addition to serving as a deterrent, the black paint will also help prevent the steel wall from rusting. Secretary Noem mentioned that additional technology, such as cameras and sensors, will be deployed to enhance security and further reduce illegal border crossings. These measures have contributed to a significant decrease in illegal crossings, reaching record lows under the Trump administration.

The cost of the paint job has not been disclosed, but it is part of the $46.5 billion allocated for border wall construction in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This funding is expected to cover an additional 700 miles of wall along the 2,000-mile border between the US and Mexico. President Trump has previously expressed a preference for border wall prototypes with bollards painted in a flat black to absorb heat and make them too hot to touch.

It was reported that President Trump also suggested adding sharp spikes to the top of the border wall to make it appear more intimidating. The Department of Homeland Security has not provided any further comments on these suggestions.

Overall, the decision to paint the southern border wall black is part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance border security and deter illegal crossings. By utilizing technology and innovative design elements, the administration aims to create a formidable barrier that protects the integrity of the US border.