NO BORDER WALL: Tohono O'odham Closes Nation to Non-Members

"No Trespassing" warning posted today on Tohono O'odham Nation border. Courtesy photo for Censored News.

By Brenda Norrell, Censored News, August 8, 2026

SELLS, Arizona -- The Tohono O'odham Nation closed its borders to border wall construction crews today, stating if they attempt to enter, they will be escorted off tribal lands by tribal police. Further, the Nation told O'odham to report suspicious activity to tribal police.

"Please be aware that 'no trespassing' signs have been posted in several locations on the Nation. Tohono O’odham law enforcement is on alert to turn back trespassers.
All O’odham are free to travel as usual."

"The restrictions are only for non-tribal members who are attempting to destroy our land and separate our people with the construction of the wall," the Nation said.

The Nation said late today that non-Natives who work and live here are not affected. The Nation said that the 'No Trespassing' refers to those who would take O'odham land, destroy sacred sites and divide their people.

"Individuals attempting to access the Nation’s sovereign land to conduct ANY construction related activities to the illegal and destructive border wall will be warned, informed of trespass and escorted off the Nation’s land by law enforcement. Subject to possible legal consequences," the Tohono O'odham Nation said late today.

The Tohono O'odham Nation said late today:

"The Tohono O’odham Nation’s trespassing signage announcement - the Tohono O’odham Nation is OPEN for official business and proper guest activities as usual. However, individuals attempting to access the Nation’s sovereign land to conduct ANY construction related activities to the illegal and destructive border wall will be warned, informed of trespass and escorted off the Nation’s land by law enforcement. Subject to possible legal consequences."

"What does this mean?"

"You can travel freely on the Nation without any restrictions if you are:

A member of the Tohono O’odham Nation

A non-tribal member who lives or works on the Nation

A non-tribal member who is traveling through the Nation on public roadways.

A non-tribal member who is invited by a tribal member or duly authorized recognized entity.

A vendor authorized to do work on the Nation or properly invited.

A guest, vendor or team member of any Desert Diamond Casino operation, (Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise)

"You may not enter the Tohono O’odham Nation if you are:

An unauthorized contractor or subcontractor with the Department of Homeland Security

Attempting to enter the Nation without authorization to do ANY construction related activities with a border wall."

The Tohono O'odham Nation said earlier today, "Important community update! Tohono O’odham Nation leadership has been informed that federal contractors may attempt to enter the Nation’s lands this weekend to begin conducting work related to border wall construction.

"Please be aware that "no trespassing" signs have been posted in several locations on the Nation. Tohono O’odham law enforcement is on alert to turn back trespassers.
All O’odham are free to travel as usual. The restrictions are only for non-tribal members who are attempting to destroy our land and separate our people with the construction of the wall.

"Please help us spread the word by sharing this information.
#NoWall
T-wem' o ba'ic e s-ge:wpk
Together we are stronger."

U.S. Customs and Border Protection awarded a contract to SLSCO Ltd. of Galveston, Texas, on June 26, 2026, to build the 62-mile border wall project. It is known as the "Tucson 5 Wall Project" across the Tohono O'odham Nation. The company is also known as Sullivan Land Services.