COLUMBUS GROWTH WATCH
Exclusive firsthand reporting by BigAddison
Filmed September 1, 2026 — Columbus, New Mexico
Big Changes Are Coming to Our Little Border Village!
On September 1, 2026, I took a ride along the U.S.–Mexico border near Columbus, New Mexico, to document the construction of the new secondary border wall.
What began as a routine filming excursion turned into an interesting encounter with construction management and security personnel.
And yes, I got the beginning of it on video!
The size of Barnard Construction’s staging and logistics operation was impressive. Equipment, vehicles, construction materials, and the first sections of the secondary wall were visible as I made my way along the border.
But before I could get much farther, I had some company!
Meet Casey — The Construction Manager
As I came to a stop, a gentleman named Casey approached and introduced himself as the construction manager for this sector.
He explained that he didn’t want me riding around the construction site for my own safety.
He also asked me to turn off my camera, and I complied.
Why? Because I’m not there to be an asshole!
I’m supportive of the wall project and optimistic about the economic opportunities it could bring to Columbus. But I’m also interested in understanding how construction activities are affecting access to roads and areas I’ve traveled for years.
I knew about the Roosevelt Reservation, the federal border reservation historically extending 60 feet north from the international boundary, and had made an effort to stay clear of that area.
Nevertheless, I wanted to understand whether access to other familiar areas had changed.
To Casey’s credit, he was polite, professional, and courteous throughout our conversation.
Rather than arguing, he contacted the head of security to explain the situation.
We had a friendly conversation about Columbus, local businesses, and the opportunities the project might bring. Naturally, I introduced him to my little B&B, The Hole-Tel, and gave him my contact information.
We shook hands, and he handed me an informational card issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Meet “Shampoo” — And the Mysterious NDA!
Next came the head of security, who introduced himself as “Shampoo.”
Of course, I had to ask him to repeat that! LOL!
He was also polite and courteous and explained that the military’s authorization over portions of the border corridor had changed.
According to his explanation, the area was now affected by an expanded National Defense Area, or NDA.
When I asked what NDA stood for, he answered:
“November — Delta — Alpha!”
Hah! I was expecting an explanation, not the military phonetic alphabet!
The National Defense Area is part of a federal military border-security initiative. However, the exact boundaries and access restrictions described to me during this encounter should be confirmed with the appropriate federal authorities.
The security representative explained that, in this location, the area under military authorization extended farther inland than I had previously understood, toward Highway 9.
That helped explain the military vehicles, security operations, and other activity I’d been seeing along the corridor.
So, Can We Still Ride Along the Border?
The bottom line?
Apparently, I won’t be riding right up alongside the walls anymore!
But there was some good news.
The security officer pointed toward another road nearby and explained that, although it was within the broader area of military authorization, it remained available for public access.
That was his explanation at the time, not an independently verified determination of the current legal access boundaries.
For now, I’ll respect the active construction zones and continue documenting developments from locations where public access is permitted.
A Construction Project That Could Transform Columbus
Beyond the wall itself, something much bigger is happening here in Columbus.
The scale of the construction operation is unlike anything I’ve personally witnessed in our little village.
Barnard Construction has a major federal border wall contract in the New Mexico portion of the El Paso Sector, and the amount of equipment, logistics activity, and personnel coming through Columbus is already noticeable.
We’re also seeing construction activity on North Boundary Road associated with a proposed RV park reportedly intended to accommodate an influx of workers.
I’ve heard plans involving approximately 300 RV spaces, although the development’s final capacity, operator, and relationship to Barnard Construction have not yet been independently confirmed.
If those plans materialize, the impact on our small village could be substantial.
Just consider the possibilities:
- More customers for local restaurants, stores, and service providers.
- Greater demand for temporary housing, furnished accommodations, and RV spaces.
- Additional business for transportation, laundry, maintenance, and other local services.
- New opportunities for existing businesses and entrepreneurs.
- Potential infrastructure improvements and longer-term economic development.
Of course, rapid growth also brings challenges involving traffic, housing availability, water, infrastructure, and community services.
Those are all subjects worth following as this project develops.
Mayor Philip Skinner: Growth, Change, and the Future of Columbus
The changes we’re witnessing come at a particularly interesting time for our village.
In a recent public message titled “Growth, Change, and the Future of Columbus,” Mayor Philip H. Skinner outlined his vision for responsible economic development.
The Mayor emphasized the importance of attracting jobs, supporting existing businesses, encouraging investment, and strengthening the customer base needed to maintain essential community services.
He also identified Columbus’s international border location, Industrial Park, history, and tourism potential as important opportunities for future growth.
But he made another point worth remembering:
“We do not have to choose between preserving our past and building our future. We can do both.”
That’s a message I can get behind!
Mayor Skinner also emphasized that growth should be thoughtful and supported by adequate infrastructure, services, and planning.
His vision isn’t simply about bringing more people into Columbus. It’s about creating employment, giving young people reasons to stay, supporting longtime residents, and building a stronger economic foundation for future generations.
And that’s where the current construction activity raises some fascinating questions.
Will the influx of workers encourage new businesses? Will existing businesses expand? Could temporary construction-related activity become a catalyst for lasting investment?
The challenge will be turning these opportunities into long-term benefits while preserving the history, traditions, and small-town character that make Columbus special.
Those are questions worth asking, and I’ll be following the answers as our village grows.
Columbus Is Already Feeling the Changes!
I’ve lived and worked in Columbus long enough to recognize when something significant is happening.
This project has the potential to bring an extraordinary amount of activity into our village.
How much of that translates into lasting economic growth remains to be seen.
But one thing is certain:
Columbus is changing, and Eye On Columbus will be documenting those changes firsthand!
I’ll continue covering the wall construction, the North Boundary Road RV development, arriving workers, local business opportunities, and the effects on our community.
And I’ll do my best to bring you the stories as I see them—directly from the ground, with a little humor along the way!
Watch My Original September 1 Video
THE SECOND BORDER WALL GOES UP IN COLUMBUS, NEW MEXICO!
Watch my exclusive firsthand footage on YouTube
Footage recorded September 1, 2026.
Stay connected with Eye On Columbus, NM for more firsthand reporting on the changing face of our historic border village.
TO BE CONTINUED…
BigAddison
Resident Reporter — Eye On Columbus, NM
Your Host & Guide to the Borderlands
Columbus Tourism Proudly Supported by Hole in the Wall Getaway — The Hole-Tel