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'Grandmother' tree uprooted for border wall construction
WBUR • • nation
Key Points:
- Federal agents in Southern Arizona arrested protesters attempting to protect a grove of cottonwood trees along the U.S.-Mexico border, as the last tree was removed to make way for a 30-foot border wall.
- Activists, including Kate Scott, had been camping near the trees since June to prevent their removal; three other cottonwoods were cut down in July.
- The trees, estimated to be over 150 years old, were described as significant natural landmarks, while local communities have criticized the federal government for rushing construction and causing environmental damage.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection stated that environmental and cultural resources are considered during construction and highlighted environmental harm caused by unauthorized border crossings.
- Despite arrests and injuries among protesters, activists say the removal of the trees has galvanized further opposition to the border wall project.
