Ned Norris Jr., the chairman of the Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona, says Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff has shown a "total disrespect" for the tribe by refusing to meet in person.

Norris said he has sent five requests for meetings but all were refused. On a recent visit to Arizona, Chertoff visited two towns on the U.S.-Mexico border but skipped over the reservation.

"It's a total disrespect for the sovereign authority that this Nation has and enjoys with the United States government," Norris told The Arizona Daily Star.

Chertoff has waived a slew of environmental, cultural and historic preservation laws in order to build a fence along the U.S.-Mexico border. The reservation covers 75 miles of the border.

The Department of Homeland Security denies Chertoff has ignored the tribe. "We have a good working relationship with them," a spokesperson said.

Get the Story:
O'odham chair calls for border meeting (The Arizona Daily Star 6/22)
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Feds plan 57 towers in AZ to watch for migrants (The Arizona Daily Star 6/22)

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