By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – The Tohono O’odham Nation is filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to prevent the use of the Nation’s resources for the construction of a border wall.
Read more Aluminum Dynamics pulls out of Benson following pushback
The Nation filed the lawsuit on June 16 and says the wall would illegally violate the Nation’s rights as a sovereign tribe.
The lawsuit argues that DHS’s construction of a border wall would take the Nation’s land, violate the Nation’s exclusive use of its reservation and resources, destroy sacred sites, and impact important ceremonies and religious practices.
“We would prefer to be using our precious resources to improve the lives of our Nation members,” Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman Verlon Jose said.
The Nation’s reservation shares 62 miles of border with Mexico and has implemented its own border security measures outside the federal government’s.
“The Nation has long worked cooperatively with the Department of Homeland Security to help secure the U.S. border with multiple levels of vehicle barriers, technology, and personnel,” Jose said.
Read more Study: Lake Mead water levels projected to drop 30 feet by 2028
The Nation argues that the proposed border wall is not only illegal but also ineffective for border security.
“We are hopeful that DHS will reconsider moving forward with a border wall and instead implement modern border protection measures,” Jose said. “But if they insist on an illegal wall, we will stand up for what is right.”
=====================================================
Are you streaming 13 News?
Watch a free live stream of Tucson Now and 13 News at TucsonNow.Live.
Be sure to download the free Tucson Now app which you can find on Apple and Google.
If you are using a desktop computer, you can use your mobile device to scan the QR code below.
shares 62 miles of border with Mexico and has implemented its own border security measures outside
Read more BLM removes more than 1,000 horses in gather horses
You can submit your breaking news or weather images here.