200-Year-Old Cottonwood Tree Toppled for Trump Border Wall

Destruction of a 200-Year-Old Cottonwood

A cottonwood tree, known locally as the “grandmother”, stood near the US-Mexico border in Lochiel, Arizona. The tree, estimated to be 200 years old, was destroyed to allow construction of a section of Donald Trump’s border wall.

Protest Occupation

In late July, land defenders began a tree-sit in the ghost town of Lochiel. Protesters occupied a platform high in the tree’s canopy for more than 70 days, attempting to prevent its removal. The occupation was part of a broader effort by the Sierra Club’s Borderlands program to protect ancient cottonwood trees in the area.

Federal Intervention and Collapse

On Monday at dawn, over 80 federal agents, including Customs and Border Protection officers and a special forces unit called Bortac, swarmed the protest camp. Agents forcibly removed the person in the tree platform and tackled others who tried to reach the tree. Contractors from Fisher Sand & Gravel then used an excavator to push the tree over, causing it to crack and fall.

Aftermath and Reactions

The event was filmed by a team from Turning Point USA, which appeared embedded with border patrol. Protesters, including Sierra Club coordinator Erick Meza, expressed anger and described the loss as a heart-breaking event. The incident follows the earlier toppling of three other ancient cottonwood trees on 27 July.

Environmental Context

The San Rafael valley, where the tree stood, is a significant wildlife corridor between the US and Mexico. The valley and surrounding mountains provide passage for species such as jaguars, ocelots, bears, beavers, and porcupines. Contractors have already completed 88 miles (140 km) of secondary wall in the area.