This photo courtesy of the Arizona Governor’s Office shows shipping containers used to close a 1,000-foot gap in the border wall with Mexico near Yuma, Arizona, Friday, August 12, 2022. It was then topped with razor wire to delay immigration crossing into Arizona. Republican Gov. Doug Ducey, acting without federal permission, plans to close his three gaps totaling 3,000 feet in the coming weeks. (Arizona Governor’s Office via AP)
(NewsNation) — Arizona Governor Doug Ducey continues to direct contractors to fill holes by stacking shipping containers along the U.S.-Mexico border, but it’s not without opposition.
Proponents say a finished wall is needed to streamline border crossings and make border patrols more effective, but critics say it’s dangerous for people and the environment.
Opponents of the governor’s shipping container plan say it threatens the environment, threatens public safety, and violates federal law. The plan faces many hurdles.
Ducey says he has no intention of backing down on his plans, despite the list of concerns.
safety concerns
From heavy equipment to bomb threats, the construction of shipping container barriers has raised safety concerns among police and forest officials.
Recently, a group of about 20 protesters marched against the governor’s project, holding signs reading “Stop Destroying Our Public Lands” and “Governor Ducey’s $100 Million Junkyard.” showed contempt for
In addition, representatives of the National Forest Service told Arizona-based KTAR News The project was a “safety concern” and urged visitors to stay away from the makeshift border wall.
The National Forest Service has also issued a warning advising people to avoid areas where construction equipment and unauthorized armed guards are on site.
NewsNation’s Ali Bradley said at the time that aside from those concerns, a group reportedly threatened to blow up a shipping container along the border near Yuma, Arizona, in late October.
Commonwealth land
About four months ago, Ducey ordered the closure of a 1,000-foot gap in the border wall.
Federal agencies are seeking to dismiss Ducey’s lawsuit, which seeks to designate the land for state use, saying the containers are illegal.
The federal government is also calling for the containers to be removed, citing existing plans and contracts to fill holes along the border wall in the coming months.
In any event, Ducey’s office said it had no intention of stopping the project while it was in progress.
But according to a December 2 document, Santa Cruz County Sheriff David Hathaway said anyone attempting to place shipping containers along his jurisdiction’s borders would be arrested for illegal dumping. Stated. Report from Nogales International.
migration of wildlife
In addition to violating federal law, harming endangered wildlife and devastating landscapes, the Center for Biodiversity says the shipping containers block hundreds of temporary flows and washings. said.
In October, the center filed a notice of intent to sue the Ducey administration if the Cochise County shipping containers are not removed. Asked to join Biden administration as defendant In a governor’s lawsuit challenging federal authorities along the border.
The notice says the container will block critical migration routes for jaguars and ocelots, hinder their recovery in the United States, and violate the Endangered Species Act.
The Bureau of Reclamation further raised concerns that the container is in violation of federal law because it is on federal and Cocopa Indian tribal land.
Some wildlife activists say the border wall built in front of the shipping containers was already causing damage.
Part of the wall, which began construction during the administration of President Donald Trump, cuts through Organ Pipe Natural Cactus Park in southern Arizona.
Building the wall risks destroying cacti that can live up to 200 years and cutting off animals from vital water sources, activists say.
what’s next?
As the project progresses, Ducey’s office says it has no intention of stopping. Earlier this month, Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dunnells told NewsNation that he hoped to send a message to the Biden administration.
“We feel forgotten here. Enough is enough,” said Dunnells. “Work with us. We are happy to work together as National Sheriffs, State Sheriffs, and Sheriffs of the West. Let’s work together for the good of the people.”
The Biden administration is considering plans to address the ongoing immigration situation in all border states as pandemic-era immigration restrictions under a policy known as Title 42 end on December 21.
In Arizona, the shipping container wall will cost $95 million and, when completed, will use about 3,000 shipping containers and span 10 miles, Ducey said.Incoming gubernatorial candidate Katie Hobbs called the container wall a political stunt. didn’t sayHowever, if she removes them when she takes office.
