Downtown Calexico border wall replacement begins

Construction for a border wall replacement near downtown Calexico began Wednesday February 21, 2017.

The wall will cover an area from the Calexico West Port of Entry, extending westward beyond the Gran Plaza Outlets.

The replacement will be an 2.25-mile section replaced with a 30-foot high bollard style wall. This also includes around 2.25 miles of all-weather roads.

A wall in this area was built in the 1990s out of recycled scraps of metal and old landing mats.

Although the existing wall has been proven effective, smuggling organizations damaged and breached this outdated version of a border wall several times during the last two years.

El Centro Sector has made great efforts to collaborate with local and state authorities to address any issues that may occur during the construction period, as they continue to experience a high number of illegal immigrants and drug smuggling.

In 2017, BP apprehended 18,633 illegal immigrants, seized 5,554 pounds of marijuana, 483 pounds of cocaine, 1,526 pounds of methamphetamine and 2,521 ounces of heroin. During that fiscal year, there were also 21 assaults against agents.

The wall will provide safety and create a better atmosphere for business and commerce, all while enhancing overall border security.