Trump's border wall construction is desecrating sacred sites, Indigenous leaders say
Summary
Construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall under President Trump's administration is damaging sacred sites important to Native American tribes. Federal contractors have blasted and bulldozed areas like Kuuchamaa Mountain and the "Las Playas Intaglio" geoglyph despite objections from Indigenous leaders.Key Facts
- Kuuchamaa Mountain, sacred to the Kumeyaay Nation, is being damaged by blasting for new border wall sections.
- The Kumeyaay people consider the mountain a spiritual place vital to their culture and wellbeing.
- Construction accelerated after the Department of Homeland Security waived cultural and environmental protections.
- The 1,000-year-old "Las Playas Intaglio," a fish-shaped desert drawing sacred to the Tohono O'odham Nation, was partially destroyed by contractors.
- Tribal leaders have met with DHS officials to request protection of sacred sites and are exploring legal action.
- Hundreds of miles of border wall are planned, with the government aiming for at least 1,400 miles of barriers.
- Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has told tribal representatives that wall construction will continue despite concerns.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed some damage was accidental but plans to protect remaining sites.
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