When the letter dropped through Noel Benavides’ door in the dusty border town of Roma, Texas recently, it was something of a shock.

The letter was from the "Wall Program Portfolio Manager" at US Homeland Security. Mr Benavides, it said, must grant "irrevocable right of entry for the United States of America" to survey his property.

Attached was a satellite photograph of a mile-long stretch of forested land he owns along the Rio Grande.

If Donald Trump’s wall ever gets built, then it will have to go through that 150-acre plot. However, it will do so over Mr Benavides’ dead body.

Speaking in his cowboy clothing store in Roma, the 76-year-old US Army veteran told The Telegraph: "I believe in border…

To continue reading this article

Start a 30-day free trial for unlimited access to Premium articles

• Unlimited access to Premium articles 
• Subscriber-only events and experiences
• Cancel any time

Free for 30 days

then only £2 per week

Try Premium

Save 25% with an annual subscription

Just £75 per year

 

Save now

Register for free and access one Premium article per week

Register

Only subscribers have unlimited access to Premium articles.Register for free to continue reading this article
RegisterOr unlock all Premium articles.
Free for 30 days, then just £1 per week
Start trial
Save 40% when you pay annually.
View all subscription options  |
Already have an account? Login