Judge Clears Way for 62-Mile Border Wall Through Tribal Land

U.S. District Judge Richard Leon refused to block the Trump administration from constructing 62 miles of border wall through the Tohono O’odham Nation’s reservation in southern Arizona. In his ruling, Leon determined that the project would not illegally trespass on tribal land or alter reservation boundaries, citing a 1907 proclamation by President Theodore Roosevelt that reserved a 60-foot public buffer zone along the international boundary for federal use.

Leon ruled that national security and foreign policy considerations warrant deference to the government, stating that federal interests in border security and public safety outweigh potential harms to the tribe. The construction is funded by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed by President Donald Trump on July 4, 2025, which allocated $46.6 billion for border infrastructure. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security intends to proceed with a double-layered 30-foot steel and concrete barrier.

The Tohono O’odham Nation argues the wall will desecrate sacred sites, disrupt religious practices, and separate families. Tribal Chairman Verlon Jose criticized the court for failing to address the permanent destruction of sacred sites and stated the tribe will consider all legal options to continue its challenge. Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin credited the administration's agenda with restoring order and putting American safety first.