In a troubling turn of events, sacred Native American burial grounds are facing destruction as construction for President Trump’s border wall progresses in Arizona. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has confirmed that “controlled blasting” is taking place within the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, an area that has deep historical significance for the Native American community, particularly the Tohono O’odham Nation. This action has been undertaken without prior consultation with the Tohono O’odham tribe, as noted by various sources, including The Intercept.
Congressman Michael Ramirez of Arizona, who chairs the House Committee on Natural Resources, expressed his outrage, stating, “This administration is trampling on the tribe’s history and, to put it bluntly, their ancestry.” The site in question is adjacent to the Tohono O’odham Nation’s reservation. Archaeological studies conducted prior to the demolition revealed human remains dating back over 10,000 years, underscoring the site’s archaeological and cultural importance.
According to a statement from CBP, the blasting is part of preparations for a new 30-foot-high steel wall, contributing to an extensive 43-mile barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border. Congressman Ramirez described the current blasting as merely the most visible sign of an ongoing disregard for both the environment and the historical significance of the land.
While the Tohono O’odham Nation’s reservation is classified as private land, the burial sites are located on public land. Ramirez is calling for immediate “government-to-government” talks with the tribe, emphasizing the lack of response from the administration despite numerous requests. He also highlighted that the current wall design threatens the migration patterns of various species, including the jaguar and pronghorn antelope, that inhabit the region.
CBP mentioned the presence of an “environmental monitor” on site during the construction, without elaborating on further protective measures. The Trump administration has leveraged the REAL ID Act of 2005, which allows the federal government to bypass certain laws under the guise of national security, to facilitate the wall’s construction. This act has enabled the waiver of numerous laws, including the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Environmental Protection Act.
Ramirez pointed out that of the 21 waivers enacted since 2005, 16 have occurred in the last two and a half years. “A historically significant area is going to be changed irreparably,” he warned. “You’re never going to be able to put it back together.”
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In summary, the destruction of sacred burial sites for the construction of the border wall raises significant ethical concerns and highlights the need for proper consultation with Native American tribes. The ongoing actions demonstrate a pattern of neglecting cultural heritage and environmental protection in favor of political agendas.
Keyphrase: Native American burial sites destruction
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