Border wall projects could soon move forward in the remote Big Bend region of West Texas as part of the Trump administration’s sweeping “Smart Wall” plan for the entire U.S.-Mexico border, according to officials and local residents who say construction firms have started contacting people in the area about the project.

The FAA lifted a 10-day flight restriction in the El Paso area after a few hours saying there is no danger to commercial travel in the region. The Transportation Secretary said the Defense Department "acted swiftly to address a cartel drone incursion." Local authorities demand answers after the federal government failed to provide clear and timely information about grounding all flights.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security purchased 63 acres of land in Socorro, Texas in January. El Paso County officials believe the properties are the site of a new immigrant detention center.

Officials said 18 cases of COVID-19 were also identified at the 5,000-bed tent Fort Bliss Army facility, where a Democratic congresswoman said many “chronic issues” persist.