It’s been awhile that I read up on this, but in certain areas the Fed has already bought the land and fenced it off in preparation for construction of a “wall” (more like a fence...) Like several years ago. The trouble for the landowners is the government pays for acres along the Rio Grande, but now the cattle can’t get to the water, which makes many more acres useless to the rancher - which the government didn’t compensate him for.
An actual “wall” build on our side of the river will obviously prevent the cattle from getting to water. I suppose (hope?) that the wall or double fence or whatever will allow the cattle did get to the water.
If there ever was a ‘public purpose’ like Ike’s interstate highway system, this is it.
People complained they would have trouble if I-70 ran through their land, so they built bridges.
The cattle will get watered. If they are using the same amount of water and Mexico complains, we’ll just shoot them.
Military link fencing right down the middle of the river wouldn’t interfere with water flow, but even that is not allowed according to treaty. Any wall or fencing has to be well back from the riverbank. That entire section where access to the river is desirable may end up being a series of motion sensors, electric eyes, cameras, and response teams with no physical barrier.