1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

I’m writing to request immediate action to stop the second border wall construction in progress near Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. This borderlands area is a sacred land to the Tohono O’odham people and an incredibly important land for ecological diversity and environmental health. Last week I had the opportunity to see firsthand, the park, its beauty, and its grandeur, juxtaposed next to the hostile first wall built in 2020 and its horrific impacts on the land and people. Border patrol and Customs & Border Protection patrols the area non-stop, driving park roads and stalking the visitor center. I even witnessed a Border Patrol vehicle parked and conducting surveillance while on tribal land (on the Tohono O’odham nation side of the fence off Highway 86). And I heard stories of park staff and visitors being harassed while on duty or visiting. The current wall itself is just feet away from the current park road and was constructed ON protected NPS land. Devastating the desert ecology and animal migration. And is just feet away from the historic Quitobaquito natural pond and spring. The proposed 2nd wall would go right through this water and life source and would effectively kill all wildlife and biological diversity in the area since it is the only water source for miles. The other reality I became aware of is that building a second wall would create a 150 foot dead zone inside the two walls. Effectively creating a horrific cage, yes cage, for any person or animal caught inside it. It will also, most certainly block any remaining view of the land and people on either side of the border. The current wall, and a second wall, is also deeply hostile to the indigenous people who have family, traditions, and ceremonies tied to this land. The wall and those patrolling are hostile toward our own countrymen and women. Please stop the second wall from being built. It is cruel, devastating, and causing damage that will not be repaired in our lifetimes.