Feds cite safety for Quitobaquito closing (Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument)

Cronkite News ^ | Sept. 29, 2020 | Claire Chandler

[BeauBo]

“There is already smuggling across the reservation, by Tohono O’odham people”

That is one of the downsides for the O’odham, from refusing new Wall - more corruption of their youth and their officials.

It may be just too politically difficult (internally) to advocate for a Wall, which will tend to alienate the poorer Mexican cousins, even though they would like the improved security.

[Honorary Serb]

It must be emphasized that non-Native Americans—not just Tohono O’odham—particiapte in smuggling across the reservation!!!!

And arguably the non-Natives are the bigger smugglers, and they blackmail the O’odham to boot!!!!

[rlmorel]

LOL..."Honey Badger Charlestown Man Don't Care!"

[no-s]

They have about 60 miles of border with Mexico, and have declined getting new Border Barrier in the Trump Program (most of their border has some type of barrier, mostly vehicle barrier).

The basic issue is the reservation is in both countries. We should just move the border south to encompass the reservation, especially if the Tohono O’odham people vote in US Federal elections...

[BeauBo]

“arguably the non-Natives are the bigger smugglers, and they blackmail the O’odham to boot!!!!”

Like everywhere across the Mexican border, Mexican cartels dominate the illegal drug trade, and human trafficking. They recruit locals on the American side to assist, and seek to corrupt local officials, offering Plata or Plomo (silver or lead) - a bribe or a bullet.

Some are O’odham leaders or officials are likely already in the pockets of cartels, and others are likely scared to piss them off. Maybe that is the main reason the tribe declined new Border Wall. Like Democrat-run South Texas, they need it to look like it is forced on them.