Washington -- Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff is giving Texas property owners, who don't want a border fence, one last chance to allow access to their land. If not, then Chertoff plans to take court action against them to enter the property.
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn said letters from the Department of Homeland Security are expected to go out Friday.
Federal officials said they need access to the land to assess possible sites for the fence to curb illegal immigration from Mexico and other crime.
Cornyn said he's continuing to urge Homeland Security to consult with local officials. Cornyn also said Chertoff told him about 40 landowners have refused to provide access to their land.
A Homeland Security spokesman wasn't immediately available for comment.