The Santa Ana Refuge is also a popular destination for birders and
hosts more than 165,000 visitors each year. The booming ecotourism
industry in the area is critical for local economies, which is another
key reason why we need to ensure this Refuge and its inhabitants can
thrive. U.S Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
planning actions earlier this year suggest that the Trump
administration may shift existing Federal Homeland Security funds to
construct a segment of-border wall through the Santa Ana Refuge. As I have said before, we already have 650 miles of fencing along our
southern border with Mexico in the areas where it is most effective. I
am not unequivocally opposed to physical barriers where they are needed
and where they can be shown to be the most effective method of border
security, but the Santa Ana Refuge is not a known problem area for
border crossing. Furthermore, a wall through the Refuge would
permanently damage critical habitat, block wildlife migration routes,
and would likely trap wildlife during floods. Again, a wall through the refuge would not yield intended outcomes
and would harm both wildlife and communities.
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