Last week, Lipan Apache tribal members, and representatives of People of La Junta for Preservation and Far Flung Adventures, an outdoor and rafting company based in Terlingua, Texas, walked into a federal courthouse in San Antonio demanding an end to road building through Big Bend National Park—ostensibly for border barriers, service roads, and enhanced security infrastructure.
Highlights from Big Bend Border Wall rally in San Antonio, Texas. Follow Deceleration on YouTube.
The groups charged that Homeland Security was violating the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) and American Indian Religious Freedom Act, among other laws.
Outside the courtroom, more than 100 residents from across the state descended on the federal court building in downtown San Antonio to stand in solidarity—opposing border walls, resisting desecration of Native lands and tribal sovereignty, and against ICE enforcement. After a prayerful opening at Save Big Bend Emergency Hearing, speakers approached the mic as they were moved to share some words, songs, and reflections.
Together they wove a tender and indomitable fabric, rooting their grief, resistance, and encouragements within one another and fostered a deepening awareness throughout the event of the sacredness of all life.
That afternoon, U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia ordered a stay halting all construction until Sept. 15, 2026. It was a negotiated settlement, according to Texas state Senator Roland Gutierrez, who provided legal representation for the plaintiffs, alongside others.
“It will give us a chance to continue negotiating with the federal government, continue fighting back, and, quite frankly, bring about more assets. ” he said in a recent video. “And those more assets are you. You need to push back yourselves and call your congressmen and your senators. And anyone who will listen in this space."
Big Bend Border Wall rally in San Antonio, Texas. Images: Greg Harman. View full slideshow at emerge.photos.
