Border wall construction destroys Indigenous sacred sites despite legal battles
Construction crews are blasting and bulldozing sacred sites along the U.S.-Mexico border to clear space for new sections of border wall. The work has already damaged Indigenous landmarks, including a 1,000-year-old geoglyph and a mountain considered holy by the Kumeyaay Nation. Federal contractors continue the demolition despite legal challenges and opposition from tribal leaders and religious groups. The Trump administration has pushed forward with plans to build at least 1,400 miles (2,250 kilometres) of border wall to curb illegal entry and drug smuggling. So far, contracts have been awarded or construction started on over 600 miles (966 kilometres) of new barriers, paired with surveillance technology.
In Arizona, crews have cut through the 'Las Playas Intaglio', a massive fish-shaped geoglyph carved into the earth over a thousand years ago. The site holds deep cultural significance for the Tohono O’odham Nation, who describe its destruction as an irreparable loss to their heritage. Near San Diego, contractors are demolishing Kuuchamaa Mountain, a place the Kumeyaay Nation regards as sacred. Norma Meza Calles, a Kumeyaay tribal leader, leads rituals and healing walks on the mountain for visitors at Rancho La Puerta, a nearby wellness resort. Emily Burgueno, another Kumeyaay member, has called the destruction a wound to her identity, saying it feels like an attack on her 'DNA'. In Sunland Park, New Mexico, blasting has begun on Mount Cristo Rey, a pilgrimage site for Catholics. The Roman Catholic Church has filed a legal challenge to halt the work, arguing the mountain’s spiritual importance must be protected. Under U.S. law, desecrating a sacred Native American site on federal or tribal land is a felony. Penalties include imprisonment and fines, though construction has continued despite these protections.
The border wall expansion has already altered ancient landmarks and disrupted sacred spaces for Indigenous and religious communities. Legal challenges remain ongoing, but demolition work continues as contractors push to meet the administration’s construction targets.
