Trump administration asks the Supreme Court to lift a lower court's block on the Texas border wall at Big Bend

Solicitor General D. John Sauer told the Supreme Court that the injunction 'significantly frustrates' the administration's ability to curb illegal crossings and drug trafficking along the southern border. The prohibition covers the entire Big Bend Sector — more than 500 miles of border taking in 77 Texas counties. Sauer cited high levels of illegal crossings and drug smuggling as the reason the sector was chosen. Construction on a 47-mile wall stretch got under way last month.

Five border-barrier contracts in the Big Bend area have already been awarded.

Footage of bulldozers at Big Bend National Park drew criticism from ranchers and local law enforcement.

Border Protection chief Rodney Scott says the wall will bypass the park, though 17 miles of vehicle barriers will not.