California officials aligned with Governor Gavin Newsom are once again moving to block President Trump’s border security agenda — this time by suing the federal government to stop razor wire fencing near the southern border.
The City of San Diego filed a lawsuit Monday in federal court seeking to halt construction of razor wire fencing on city-owned land near the U.S.–Mexico border. The lawsuit directly challenges efforts by the Trump administration to strengthen border enforcement amid ongoing illegal immigration concerns.
According to the filing, city leaders claim federal agencies entered municipal property in the Marron Valley area without permission and began installing the fencing without completing local environmental reviews. The lawsuit names senior federal officials and accuses the government of overstepping its authority.
San Diego City Attorney Heather Ferbert said in a statement that the city is attempting to protect its land and environmentally sensitive areas, arguing that federal agencies failed to follow existing conservation agreements.
The complaint alleges that federal personnel — including U.S. Marines — accessed the land without city approval and caused damage to protected habitat areas. City officials also argue the fencing interferes with San Diego’s ability to manage its own property and could put the city at risk of violating environmental regulations.
In addition, the lawsuit accuses the federal government of trespassing, beginning construction without proper authorization, and effectively seizing city land without compensation — a claim the city says violates the Fifth Amendment.
Supporters of President Trump argue the lawsuit is another example of California officials placing political ideology ahead of border security and public safety. Critics say the legal challenge could slow efforts to secure the border at a time when illegal crossings and cartel activity remain major concerns for border communities.
The case underscores the growing conflict between the Trump administration’s push for tougher border enforcement and California leaders who continue to resist federal immigration policy.