Friday’s decision by the White House to close construction of a section on former President Donald Trump’s border wall in Yuma, Arizona was downplayed by the White House. During the daily press briefing, Karine Jean-Pierre, White House press secretary was asked by Peter Doocy of Fox News Channel about the decision. Jean-Pierre stated that President Biden wasn’t “finishing the wall”, but was filling in gaps to stop migrants from crossing dangerous borders.

This week, the Department of Homeland Security stated that it would prioritize the construction of the wall at the Morelos Dam in Arizona. According to officials from the administration, this decision was taken to prevent illegal migrants getting hurt while crossing a dangerous section on the Colorado River.

Officials from DHS claim that this area is the third most popular illegal crossing site along the U.S.-Mexico border. Border patrol agents stopped the section more than 160,000 times in the first six months.

DHS stated in a statement that “this area presents safety-related hazards for migrants trying to cross into the United States, where there is a danger of drownings or injuries from falls,” This area is also a danger to agents and first responders who are responding to incidents in this region.

Republican legislators were furious at the news of the decision to close the border gaps.

Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA) tweeted, “After Hispanic support to President Biden plummets to 26% approval,”

Critics pointed out that Biden, who was running for the White House in 2020, had strongly supported the construction of the wall.

Biden once even stated that he would not let another foot of the project go unbuilt if he wins.