Protests Erupt in Lochiel Over Trump Administration’s Border Wall

Activists Stand Firm Against Border Wall Construction in Lochiel

In the tiny town of Lochiel, east of Nogales, a clash between activists and Border Patrol agents is unfolding over the construction of the Trump administration’s border wall. The past week has seen numerous confrontations as activists resist the destruction of natural landmarks and the advancement of the wall.

Earlier in the week, a significant operation by Border Patrol agents led to the removal of a historic cottonwood tree, which had been a focal point for the activists’ camp. The operation also resulted in several arrests, as reported by those opposing the wall. The following day, additional arrests were made, adding to the tension in this remote region.

Amidst the tall grasslands, the activists’ determination is visible, with tents scattered across the landscape and banners proclaiming messages like “All Walls Fall.” Among the activists is Alex Chabbott, who previously faced arrest during a similar protest miles away from Lochiel. Reflecting on the ongoing struggle, Chabbott stated, “I hope this wall doesn’t get built, maybe it will. I hope it comes down before I die, but maybe it won’t… For me, it’s not about winning, it’s about being on the right side of history.”

Alex Chabbott stands for a portrait on a stretch of private land right next to border wall construction in Lochiel on Oct. 7, 2026.

Behind Chabbott, construction crews are installing large steel panels as part of a dual-wall system that spans several miles. Meanwhile, another group of Border Patrol agents remains stationed near a towering cottonwood tree across the border in Mexico, where activists have initiated another tree-sit protest.

A video from the activist group Tierra Libre shows a protester attempting to disrupt construction by attaching themselves to a truck, surrounded by agents trying to remove them. Concerns grow as those arrested on Tuesday have yet to be released, with their current status unclear, according to protesters.

Border Patrol agents gather below the "Abuela," another old-growth cottonwood tree just across the border from Lochiel, in La Noria, Mexico, where protesters have set up another tree-sit on Oct. 7, 2026. A cottonwood on the U.S. side, dubbed the "Grandmother" by activists, was felled this week. — Border Patrol agents gather below the “Abuela,” another old-growth cottonwood tree just across the border from Lochiel, in La Noria, Mexico, where protesters have set up another tree-sit on Oct. 7, 2026. A cottonwood on the U.S. side, dubbed the “Grandmother” by activists, was felled this week.

Customs and Border Protection has remained tight-lipped regarding the arrests and whether agents had a warrant to access the privately-owned land. In their official statement, the agency mentioned operations in Lochiel were aimed at supporting “authorized border infrastructure activities on federally managed land,” carried out to ensure public safety and compliance with federal laws. The statement also noted appropriate enforcement actions were taken in response to “alleged violations and an alleged assault on a federal officer.”