Watch: US builds new wall at Mexico border

The US has started building a new 'secondary' wall at its southwestern border with Mexico to reinforce an existing steel fence that divides the two countries.

The approximately 7 mile (11km) wall is being constructed in the state of New Mexico and is part of a plan to close 'critical' gaps in the border and improve security operations, according to a statement published by the US Customs and Border Protection.

In June, the US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem issued new waivers for the construction of approximately 36 miles (58km) of new border wall in Arizona and New Mexico.