The Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona wants the Department of Homeland Security to stop construction of a fence along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The tribe says the fence prevents tribal members who live in the U.S. from taking part in religious ceremonies in Mexico. Tribal members are normally allowed free access across the border.

"Our land is now cut in half, with O'odham communities, sacred sites, salt pilgrimage routes, and families divided," Chairman Ned Norris testified at a House hearing. "We did not cross the 75 miles of border within our reservation lands. The border crossed us."

DHS waived a slew of environmental, cultural protection and other laws in order to build the fence.

Get the Story:
Tribe says border fence restricts sacred rites (Religion News Service 7/16)

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