The Department of Homeland Security announced Tuesday that the southern border wall will be painted black to make it harder to climb in the heat, CNN reported.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said the decision came at the request of President Donald Trump, who argued the darker color would intensify surface temperatures and deter crossings.
Speaking in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, Noem emphasized that the wall already runs deep underground to prevent tunneling. U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks added that the black paint would also help prevent rust.
President Trump has ordered the entire southern border wall to be painted black to stop migrants from crossing because it’ll be too hot to touch, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem https://t.co/L5OKFes0EM
— Bloomberg (@business) August 19, 2025
The announcement comes as the Trump administration reported 6,000 apprehensions at the southern border in June, down 15% from March.
Funded by the $46.5 billion “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” construction continues at about half a mile per day. Noem also highlighted new technology and water-borne barriers.
Painting sections black was first tested in 2020, though some officials then questioned its effectiveness.
BORDER PATROL ON IG: “Securing our nation, protecting our communities. Thank you to Secretary Noem for lending a hand to finish off the newest wall section in El Paso, TX.” pic.twitter.com/7CiEBBE2mr
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) August 20, 2025
