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Breaking: Federal Court Okays Trump's Wall, Overrules Lib Groups

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A federal court ruled that the Trump administration has the power to waive environmental laws in order to speed up construction of the border wall.

The ruling Tuesday has paved the way for President Donald Trump to construct his border wall, which the state of California and environmental groups have been trying to prevent, according to The Washington Times.

U.S. District Court Judge Gonzalo P. Curiel, who Trump has previously called biased due to his Mexican heritage, made the ruling that will allow the administration to waive environmental laws and build sections of the wall.

The judge said that “he wasn’t opining on whether a wall was good or bad policy — but had to conclude the government has the power to build it.”

“It is not our job to protect the people from the consequences of their political choices,” Curiel said in his 101-page ruling.

He wrote that both Congress and the executive branch “share responsibilities in protecting the country from terrorists and contraband illegally entering at the border,” Fox News reported.

“Border security is paramount to stemming the flow of illegal immigration that contributes to rising violent crime and to the drug crisis, and undermines national security,” Justice Department spokesman Devin O’Malley said. “Congress gave authority to the Department of Homeland Security to construct a border wall without delay to prevent illegal entry into the United States, and we are pleased DHS can continue this important work vital to our nation’s interests.”

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra responded to the ruling in a statement that his office “will evaluate all of our options and are prepared to do what is necessary to protect our people, our values, and our economy from federal overreach.”

“A medieval wall along the U.S.-Mexico border simply does not belong in the 21st century,” he said.

Do you agree with building the border wall?

Judge Curiel was attacked by then-candidate Trump in 2016.

In relation to a lawsuit involving Trump University, Trump asserted that Curiel, whose parents emigrated from Mexico, held “tremendous hostility” against him because of the judge’s Mexican descent.

Eight different models for a proposed border wall were tested at the end of January and the results were positive for Trump and immigration hardliners in Congress.

Constructed outside the city of San Diego, the prototypes were subjected to rigorous tests and trials by military special operation teams.

If the test results are any indication, whichever model is ultimately chosen will make illegal passage through the U.S. southern border nearly impossible, according to Fox News.

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The prototypes proved better at enduring jackhammers, concrete saws and cutting torches than anything currently in use on the U.S. border.

Additionally, all eight models were nearly impossible to climb due to anti-perching and anti-climbing features.

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Erin Coates was an editor for The Western Journal for over two years before becoming a news writer. A University of Oregon graduate, Erin has conducted research in data journalism and contributed to various publications as a writer and editor.
Erin Coates was an editor for The Western Journal for over two years before becoming a news writer. She grew up in San Diego, California, proceeding to attend the University of Oregon and graduate with honors holding a degree in journalism. During her time in Oregon, Erin was an associate editor for Ethos Magazine and a freelance writer for Eugene Magazine. She has conducted research in data journalism, which has been published in the book “Data Journalism: Past, Present and Future.” Erin is an avid runner with a heart for encouraging young girls and has served as a coach for the organization Girls on the Run. As a writer and editor, Erin strives to promote social dialogue and tell the story of those around her.
Birthplace
Tucson, Arizona
Nationality
American
Honors/Awards
Graduated with Honors
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, University of Oregon
Books Written
Contributor for Data Journalism: Past, Present and Future
Location
Prescott, Arizona
Languages Spoken
English, French
Topics of Expertise
Politics, Health, Entertainment, Faith




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