Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the fence along the U.S.-Mexico border will be painted black. Authorities say the goal is to make it harder to climb and to repair wear and tear over time.

“You cannot touch something that is very hot in these temperatures; it makes it very difficult to climb or handle,” Noem said during a press conference.

In July, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was passed, allocating $46.6 billion for the construction of the border wall.

However, organizations that work with migrants, such as the American Friends Service Committee, say that changing the fence’s color will not be a major deterrent. “People continue to seek refuge, and smuggling networks always find new ways to cross the border, even using gloves to avoid burning their hands,” explained Pedro Ríos, a member of the organization.

Ríos emphasized that authorities should focus on more humane solutions. “Mechanisms should be created to respect human rights and avoid creating conditions that cause more harm and suffering,” he said.

The fence’s new color reflects the authorities’ strategy to strengthen border security, but it also reignites the debate on how to protect the border without putting people seeking to migrate at risk.