Last Tree Stands Against Border Wall | Tucson News

For nearly three weeks, activists have camped near the U.S.-Mexico border to protect a sacred cottonwood tree—nicknamed “the grandmother”—from being cut down as part of a $334 million border wall project. This tree is the last of four that once lined the southern edge of Lochiel, with the others removed last month. The construction, part of a 27-mile double-layered wall through the San Rafael Valley, has sparked outrage over environmental destruction and cultural erasure. Environmentalists warn the fence will sever vital wildlife corridors, while protesters argue this isn’t just about trees—it’s about defending ancestral lands and ecosystems under threat. With no official response from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and local authorities ignoring their presence, the vigil continues, hoping to ignite broader resistance across the borderlands. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/80366e930ab48219