At this time, any estimates of the total border wall cost are premature as there are many variables that are currently unknown. The budget request of $2.6 billion is to assist U.S. Customs and Border Protection with the implementation of the entirety of the Executive Order on Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Improvements. This budget request includes significantly more than just border wall as technology and hiring are also key requirements under the EO.
CBP is taking a measured approach based on the U.S. Border Patrol’s operational requirements and partnering with industry to determine potential border barrier solutions. However, until prototypes are completed and evaluated and design determinations are made, CBP cannot provide a more detailed estimate of the total cost of a border barrier system.