A total of 225 companies so far have expressed interest in participating in building the border wall, The Hill reports.
Large construction companies such as Caddell and engineering firms like Raytheon have added their names to a federal website to be included in the bidding process. Smaller companies also are on the list, and, according to The Hill, 20 are owned by Hispanic Americans.
President Donald Trump's promised wall along the United States' 2,000-mile border with Mexico to prevent illegal immigration has sparked controversy from the start, so Hispanic-owned businesses could face backlash from participating in the construction.
Though large numbers of Hispanics oppose Trump's border wall to fight illegal immigration, many who entered the United States legally want to see others held to the same standard.
Trump said during the campaign that the wall would be a literal barrier, though some of his surrogates have suggested some parts of the border might benefit more from electronic and other means of surveillance. Trump has maintained, however, that the wall will be an actual physical barrier.
The Department of Homeland Security has said the wall should cost $21 billion, though others have said it would cost much mores — especially since Trump has said an actual wall — and not a fence — will be built.
That said, Trump insists he will make Mexico pay for the construction, something the Mexican government says won't happen.
Companies have a deadline of March 10 to submit a prototype concept paper. A formal request for proposal is due March 24, and contracts are expected to be awarding in April.
© 2024 Newsmax. All rights reserved.