Activists block construction of border wall near tree in Arizona

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Since late July 2026, local activists have maintained a continuous tree sit in a 200-year-old cottonwood tree in Lochiel, Arizona, to block the construction of a double border wall. The protest began after contractors for Fisher Sand & Gravel removed three other cottonwood trees on July 27, prompting community members to intervene to save the final remaining tree on the U.S. side. While U.S. Customs and Border Protection stated the trees were cleared for construction after surveys found no active migratory bird nests, protesters and Sierra Club coordinator Erick Meza disputed the environmental monitoring and the necessity of the clearing. The San Rafael Valley site is considered a critical biodiversity hotspot and a significant jaguar migration corridor.

Consequences

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has stated that the remaining cottonwood tree is scheduled for removal, which suggests a potential for continued confrontation between contractors and activists. The ongoing occupation of the site serves as a physical barrier to the planned construction of the 30-foot-high double wall structure in that area.

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