The Wall the Tohono O’odham Don’t Want

Former President Donald Trump threatened the sovereignty of the Tohono O'odham Nation on March 14, 2024, by stating his intention to build a border wall across their ancestral lands in Arizona. Trump asserted that he would "take the land" necessary for the wall's construction, disregarding tribal claims and rights. This declaration directly challenges the Tohono O'odham's long-standing presence and governance over the territory, which spans approximately 2.8 million acres across southern Arizona and into Sonora, Mexico. The tribe has historically opposed the construction of border barriers on their land, citing cultural and environmental impacts, as well as the division of their community. Trump's remarks indicate a potential escalation of federal efforts to secure the U.S.-Mexico border, even at the expense of Indigenous land rights and self-determination. The Tohono O'odham Nation has been a vocal opponent of border wall construction since previous administrations began implementing such projects, emphasizing the sacredness of their land and the disruption it causes to their way of life and traditional practices. Trump's stance suggests a continued willingness to prioritize border security objectives over tribal sovereignty.