Let Texans Do Texas

Let Texans Do Texas (LTDT) is a registered Texas nonprofit created in response to outsized federal border wall plans in the Big Bend region. LTDT seeks lasting local, state, and federal solutions that protect the Big Bend region while addressing legitimate border security needs.

LTDT would stop funding and authorization for the current physical border barrier construction. As proposed, future border security in the Big Bend region would be coordinated and implemented through a board established by the Texas Legislature; the board would be composed of private property owners, current and former elected officials and various federal officers.

LTDT offers a practical alternative to federal border wall construction and related infrastructure. It recognizes that border security is a federal responsibility, but protecting the Big Bend region is also a Texas priority. In addition, effective border security is unreachable without local input to tailor tactics to local terrain and conditions.

Texas taxpayers, local communities, and private landowners have invested generations of resources in preserving this unique region. They deserve a meaningful voice in decisions affecting its future.

LTDT proposes a permanent, locally driven border security strategy supported by a $2 billion trust fund capitalized with federal resources in lieu of border wall construction.

Rather than relying on the current large-scale, destructive, “dictated-from-DC” federal construction approach, LTDT would empower county governments, elected sheriffs, and private landowners to develop security solutions appropriate to the region’s actual security needs, geography, communities, and conservation priorities.

Local participation is central to LTDT.

County governments and elected sheriffs would work directly with affected private property owners to identify security needs and develop strategic plans. Landowners would also have representation in the state-level process responsible for overseeing the program.

This approach would ensure that those most directly affected by border security decisions have a meaningful role in shaping them.

The primary focus of LTDT is to permanently stop border wall construction (and related infrastructure). The secondary purpose is to transform our local county government security apparatus to ensure it never happens again. If local governments are not successful, the federal government will come back.

Border security is a national priority, but policies developed far from the Big Bend often fail to reflect local conditions.

LTDT seeks to replace one-size-fits-all federal solutions with practical, locally developed security strategies that protect communities, private property, and the region’s unique landscape.

LTDT proposes establishing the Permanent Trust for Big Bend Region Border Security (the Trust), capitalized with $2 billion in federal funding in lieu of constructing a border wall and related infrastructure in the Big Bend region.

The Trust would provide a permanent source of financial support for locally directed border security. Only interest and investment earnings would be available for expenditure, preserving the $2 billion principal for future generations.

This approach would redirect federal resources from border wall construction toward a lasting, Texas-administered security and infrastructure strategy that protects local communities, private property, and the region’s unique landscape.

The Trust would be governed by an independent Texas board led by the Texas Secretary of State.

The board would include substantial representation from the Big Bend region, including local governments, law enforcement, private landowners, and other appropriate experienced state and regional interests.

Administrative support could be provided through the Governor’s Office of Trusteed Programs.

Funding would go directly to eligible county governments or interlocal organizations based on locally developed border security plans.

Counties would identify their needs in consultation with elected sheriffs and affected landowners, then submit funding proposals for review and approval.

Proceeds (grants) from the Trust would not be distributed directly to individual property owners, federal agencies, or state agencies (except by local instigation).

The Trust could support a broad range of locally directed security activities, including:

• Law enforcement: Additional deputies, patrols, overtime, and small stations.
• Technology: Low-profile surveillance equipment and communications systems.
• Transportation: Patrol vehicles, boats, aircraft, helicopters, and horses.
• Infrastructure: County road improvements, outgoing border trade screening, and security-related equipment.
• Emergency services: Medical response, flood mitigation, and appropriate conservation projects.
• Cooperative operations: Joint efforts involving neighboring counties, parks, law enforcement agencies, and appropriate Mexican authorities.

Projects would be selected according to demonstrated local needs and regional priorities. Data on cost-effectiveness will be collected and reported to the public.

No. The Trust would expressly prohibit spending on a border wall or related infrastructure.

Its purpose is to support effective, locally directed security measures that avoid unnecessary damage to private property, historic communities, and the natural environment.

No. LTDT is designed to complement, not replace or interfere with, federal law enforcement responsibilities.

Federal agencies would retain their existing authority. LTDT would strengthen local capabilities and encourage cooperation among county, state, and federal officials.

The objective is a more coordinated and effective approach that reflects conditions on the ground.

No. LTDT is intended to reduce reliance on large-scale federal security infrastructure by giving local communities the resources to address their own security needs and minimize if not eliminate surveillance of the public.

The proposal emphasizes locally elected leadership, private property rights, accountability, and security measures appropriate to the Big Bend’s remote and environmentally sensitive landscape.

Its goal is to protect both the border and the character of the region.