The Department of Homeland Security on Friday revealed its ambitious Smart Wall plans for the U.S.-Mexico border, with fences stretching 1,422 miles along the boundary, more than double the current length, with sensor technology to protect the remaining area too rugged for a wall. Here’s what you need to know about the expanded border wall plans and massive construction effort:

The Smart Wall plan

DHS reveals comprehensive border barrier strategy:

Construction contracts and funding

$4.5 billion in new contracts issued:

Environmental waivers

Secretary speeds construction with law exemptions:

Trump’s wall legacy

Marquee 2016 campaign promise sees major expansion:

Current vs. planned coverage

Border wall expansion from 36% to 73%:

Historical wall debates

New plans answer longstanding questions:

Shutdown and emergency funding

Past funding battles shaped wall construction:

Incomplete wall system

Previous construction prioritized fencing over full system:

Technology backfill plans

CBP addressing previous gaps:

Read more:

• DHS reveals grand plan for border: 1,422 miles of wall along Mexico boundary

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