Legal Battle Over Arizona Border Wall Segment Paused Amid Government Shutdown
Construction of a contentious border wall segment in southern Arizona faces a legal pause as a federal judge halts proceedings due to the ongoing government shutdown. This pause affects a lawsuit by environmental organizations challenging the legality of the wall.
Environmental advocates filed the lawsuit soon after the Trump administration unveiled plans for the construction of a new 27-mile segment in the San Rafael Valley — a critical area for wildlife, including species like the jaguar and ocetot.
Fisher Sand and Gravel, the company contracted for over $390 million to build the wall section, commenced construction in September. However, the legal challenge cannot advance as the shutdown, which started on October 1st, persists. Magistrate Judge James Marner ruled that the case must wait.
Russ McSpadden, from the Center for Biological Diversity, emphasized the ecological importance of the area, stating, “This is truly one of the best jaguar movement corridors we have remaining in the United States, connecting to Mexico.” He warned that prolonged delays could prompt arguments to halt construction entirely if the legal case remains on hold.
While Department of Justice attorneys cite legal restrictions preventing them from working during the shutdown, the plaintiffs argue that proceeding with construction could cause irreversible harm to the environment.
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