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Judge Richard Leon Denies Tohono O'odham Nation's Request to Halt Border Wall Construction

A federal judge has ruled that the administration can proceed with building a border wall along the Tohono O'odham Nation's reservation without tribal consent. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon denied the Tohono O'odham Nation's request for a preliminary injunction, stating that the government's interests in securing the border and enforcing immigration laws outweigh the potential harms to the tribe's land. Judge Leon noted that a 1907 proclamation by President Theodore Roosevelt established a 60-foot buffer zone for federal use along the international boundary. The Tohono O'odham Nation argued that the wall would trespass on their land and destroy sacred sites. However, the administration announced that the border wall is on track for completion next year. The ruling comes as the administration celebrates a period of 15 consecutive months with zero border releases. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that daily apprehensions are at the lowest level in 30 years, attributing the success to the leadership of President Trump.

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