The Trump administration plans to paint the U.S.-Mexico border wall black to deter migrants, a move critics say is costly and ineffective.
The Trump administration has announced that the U.S.-Mexico border wall will be painted black in a bid to deter migrants by making it too hot to climb. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem unveiled the plan Tuesday during a press conference in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, calling it a “genius move” by former President Donald Trump.
“It’s tall, almost impossible to climb, and goes deep into the ground, so you can’t dig under it. Now, we’re painting it black,” Noem said. “The president knows that black absorbs heat, making it scorching hot to touch in these blistering temperatures.”
Noem added the paint would also help protect the steel from rust, while cameras and sensors will further bolster security.
The project is receiving a £36 billion boost through the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” to extend the wall another 700 miles. Critics argue gloves and clothing could defeat the measure and label it a costly, ineffective gimmick.