US-Mexico Border Wall to Be Painted Black, Aiming for 'Untouchable' Temperatures

SANTA TERESA, NEW MEXICO – The United States-Mexico border wall is set to undergo a significant change, with plans to paint the entire structure black. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the initiative, stating it is at the direct request of President Donald Trump, who believes the dark color will make the steel "very hot" and "untouchable" to deter illegal crossings.

President Trump articulated his reasoning, stating, > "because black makes the steel very hot. It's untouchable. You could fry an egg on it." This strategy is intended to weaponize the desert heat against individuals attempting to climb the barrier. U.S. Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks also noted that the black paint would serve an additional purpose by helping to prevent rust on the steel.

The directive comes as part of the Trump administration's broader immigration enforcement efforts. A substantial $46.5 billion was allocated through the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" passed by Congress in July, designated for modernizing the border barrier system, including the completion of approximately 700 miles of primary wall. Construction is reportedly progressing at a rate of about half a mile per day.

Secretary Noem, speaking from a section of the wall in New Mexico, affirmed the president's vision. She explained that in the high temperatures of the region, a black surface becomes significantly warmer, making it considerably more challenging for individuals to scale. The administration maintains that these enhanced physical barriers, alongside increased deportations and advanced technology like cameras and sensors, are contributing to a reported plummet in illegal border crossings.

Critics, however, have raised concerns regarding the humanitarian implications and practical effectiveness of the plan. New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's office described the move as "cruel," suggesting it is emblematic of the Trump administration's approach to immigration enforcement. Previous attempts to paint sections of the wall black in 2019 reportedly saw the paint peeling within 18 months.