Protesters occupy 200-year-old tree at US-Mexico border to stop its destruction: ‘She’s our Statue of Liberty’
Environmental activists are staging a 'tree sit' in Lochiel, Arizona, to prevent the destruction of ancient cottonwood trees for border wall construction. The protesters are attempting to protect the grove from federal contractors.
Why it matters
The conflict highlights the ongoing tension between border security infrastructure projects and environmental conservation efforts.
The remains of two of three ancient cottonwood trees already felled for the US-Mexico border fence construction in Lochiel, Arizona, on 27 July 2026. The remains of two of three ancient cottonwood trees already felled for the US-Mexico border fence construction in Lochiel, Arizona, on 27 July 2026. US-Mexico border Protesters occupy 200-year-old tree at US-Mexico border to stop its destruction: ‘She’s our Statue of Liberty’ Demonstrators stage ‘tree sit’ in Arizona town to stop felling of ancient cottonwood grove to make way for border wall
Prefer the Guardian on Google P rotesters are staging a “tree sit” in a tiny Arizona town to prevent the destruction of a grove of ancient cottonwood trees as federal contractors race to build a row of two 30ft walls along the border with Sonora, Mexico .
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in