Texas installs 536 miles of Rio Grande floating barriers despite flood risks

The US federal government is moving forward with a controversial plan to install 536 miles of floating barriers along the Rio Grande. These cylindrical buoys

The Department of Homeland Security has already waived environmental laws and awarded over $1 billion in contracts for the buoy system. As of early 2026, around 60 miles have been placed, mostly near Eagle Pass, under Texas's Operation Lone Star. The full network will stretch from the Gulf of Mexico deep into South Texas, covering Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Zapata, Webb, Maverick, and Val Verde counties.

The buoys—each four to five feet wide—are being installed in a 17-mile test section of the river. Yet no environmental assessment or flood modelling has been released. Geomorphologist Mark Tompkins has criticised the lack of public documentation, warning that the barriers could worsen flooding and reshape the riverbed. Other experts agree, suggesting the buoys may accelerate floodwaters and create unpredictable changes to the river's flow. Meanwhile, the city of Laredo is pushing federal agencies for engineering and design details. Officials want clarity on how the project might affect local communities and infrastructure.

With installation underway, concerns remain about the buoys' impact on flooding and river dynamics. The absence of public environmental studies leaves key questions unanswered. The project continues despite calls for greater transparency and risk assessment.