The federal government plans to sue nearly two dozen California landowners. They're among hundreds along the U.S.-Mexico border who've blocked federal authorities from building more border fencing. KPBS reporter Amy Isackson has details.
Department of Homeland Security Spokeswoman Laura Keenner says the Department of Justice will file 102 lawsuits next week against the holdouts.
The landowners have kept government surveyors off their property.
The surveyors want to have a look to see if the government should buy or seize the land to extend the border fence.
Keehner says since letters went out threatening lawsuits, 33 more landowners have allowed the government access.
Keehner : We are encouraged by this progress. We anticipate that more rights of entry authorization will be signed in the next week or so.
The Bush administration wants to build 370 miles of fencing and 300 miles of vehicle barriers along the border by the end of the year.
Opponents of the fence say it doesn't stop immigrants from crossing into the U.S. And they say government is violating landowners' rights.
Amy Isackson, KPBS News.
