Overview
- The Nation posted red-and-white "No Trespassing" notices and put the Tohono O'odham Police Department on high alert after leaders said contractors might try to enter tribal lands on Saturday.
- Tribal officials warned non-tribal contractors they could be removed, fined, have equipment impounded, or face civil or criminal charges if they enter without permission.
- The tribe has sued the Department of Homeland Security and is seeking a preliminary injunction before U.S. District Judge Richard Leon to block construction and any taking of tribal land or water.
- On-the-ground resistance continues with tree-sitters in Lochiel protecting cottonwoods and tribal leaders citing earlier alleged damage to a 1,000-year-old archaeological site near Ajo as an example of harm they seek to prevent.
- Tribal leaders told community members not to confront suspected trespassers and to report suspicious activity to the Tohono O'odham Police at 520-383-3275 or call 911 if unsafe, and local governments have publicly backed the tribe’s legal challenge.