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Park visitors share who should pay for the the border wall

Posted at 6:23 PM, Dec 22, 2018
and last updated 2018-12-22 21:56:09-05

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — While Congress and President Trump work to agree on a deal to fund the border wall, the partial shutdown affects hundreds of thousands of federal employees.

In Nevada, the shutdown affects five national parks which could close completely if a resolution is not found soon.

On Saturday morning, visitors who drove to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area found a sign at the visitor’s information center stating that they are closed until further notice but that the park is still accessible.

13 Action News asked visitors who should pay for the proposed wall. The answers varied.

"There is no other country, countries with walls on their borders and we don't need a wall with Mexico."

"We are not living in the 3rd century B.C. We don't need a wall, we need an effective 21st century mechanism to prevent people from coming into the country. That's a different thing all together."

Several visitors were shocked to learn that a veteran in Florida created a GoFundMe to help fund the wall. As of Saturday, more than 200,000 people had made donations.

“I don't think people should help. He wants to build it so bad he can pay for it. Not the people and their taxes.”

"I don't think it's going to help. I think the issue is what is driving them here. It's opportunity and they're desperate for a better life and economic benefit and that's not going to stop. The wall isn't going to stop that."

People can mail money as a gift to the U.S., according to the US Treasury Department. It's unclear if Homeland Security can accept gifts as well.