In court papers filed Friday in Washington, the group asked a court to block the construction of the fence in the Rio Grande Valley.

The coalition, which also includes business groups, charges that the Department of Homeland Security (OTCBB:HSCC) did not consult landowners in the area. DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff denied that in a news conference Friday.

Eagle Pass Mayor Chad Foster, who chairs the coalition, called the fence "an antiquated solution for a 21st century problem."