Federal Judge Greenlights Border Wall Construction in Arizona
A federal judge in Arizona has allowed the continuation of border wall construction after a legal challenge by a Native American tribe. The Tohono O’odham Nation argued that the wall would illegally encroach on their lands and reduce their reservation area.
Judge Richard Leon referenced a 1907 federal proclamation which allows the first 60 feet of reservation land for federal use. He emphasized that national security and foreign policy concerns justify the government’s actions. “Deference to the government is warranted,” Leon stated.
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Construction on the border wall, replacing existing structures, took place on September 10, 2019, near the Colorado River in Yuma, Arizona. The Tohono O’odham Nation had posted warnings against federal workers at the site. Their reservation shares approximately 62 miles of border with Mexico.
On social media, the tribe announced, “ANY construction related activities to the illegal and destructive border wall be warned, informed of trespass and escorted off the Nation’s land by law enforcement.” The tribe communicated this message on their Facebook page on August 8.
Judge Leon highlighted President Theodore Roosevelt’s 1907 proclamation. This decree gave the federal government control over all public land within 60 feet of an international boundary. The move aimed to prevent smuggling between the U.S. and Mexico. The Tohono O’odham Nation did not become a recognized reservation until 1917, following Roosevelt’s order.
The ruling marks a legal success for the federal government, coinciding with the Trump administration’s report of zero border releases over 15 months at the U.S.-Mexico border.
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Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin’s office reported a 94% drop in daily border apprehensions compared to the Biden administration. This represents the lowest numbers in 30 years. Secretary Mullin conveyed in a statement, “President Trump’s border security agenda is restoring order and putting the safety of the American people first.”
Readers can access more updates by downloading the Fox News app. Anders Hagstrom covers national politics and significant breaking news for Fox News Digital.