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.
“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.”
Yes - that is used at other parts of the border with success. I’m guessing it would be pretty challenging to built anything of substance in many areas with shifting sand, swelling clay, unstable river bottoms. Of course adding 5000 more border agents will help for all of the high-tech barriers.
Interesting about the treaty not allowing a barrier in the river - is it considered “navigable” or perhaps for fisheries?
I was reading (not sure what year) where Mexico is supposed to allow enough flow for Texas irrigation, but in some years they weren’t letting enough through as per the treaty. I imagine if push-came-to-shove the Mexicans could try to use that as a threat against increased border security. I’m not sure it would help their cause any.