A federal judge has ruled to put a hold on a case that will decide the legality of a new segment of border wall going up in southern Arizona.
Environmental groups filed suit against the Trump administration shortly after the administration announced plans to build new border wall along a roughly 27 mile stretch of San Rafael Valley — a biodiversity hotspot that serves as a critical habitat for cross-border species like the jaguar, ocelot and jaguar.
The company Fisher Sand and Gravel was awarded a more than $390 million contract to build the segment, and construction began in September.
In the latest ruling, Magistrate Judge James Marner said the lawsuit cannot continue amid the government shutdown — which began on Oct. 1.
Russ McSpadden is the southwest conservation advocate for the Center for Biological Diversity, one of the groups behind the suit.
This is truly one of the best jaguar movement corridors we have remaining in the United States, connecting to Mexico,” McSpadden said. “If this thing goes on for a long time, I think we’ll argue pretty hardly that if the case is stayed, then the wall needs to be stayed as well.”
Department of Justice lawyers argue their attorneys cannot legally work during a shutdown. The plaintiffs argue allowing construction to move forward while the case against it does not will cause irreversible damage.
-
ICE held about 60,000 people as of Sept. 21, the most recent data available. In the prior month, 1,151 detainees were held in isolation for at least one day — the most ever. The count has topped 1,000 every month since April. -
Prescribed burns are planned in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests on Friday to address overgrown vegetation in the Alpine and Springerville Ranger Districts. The operations could continue into Saturday, pending weather conditions. -
The U-visa is approved in limited quantities to immigrant victims of certain crimes who agree to work with law enforcement. If approved, it provides a path to a green card and a work permit. -
The Tucson Baseball Team was scheduled to host its fifth home series game at Tucson’s Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium starting Nov. 18. But the team says it’ll be playing those games in Mexicali, Mexico, instead amid ongoing issues getting U.S. visas. -
The complaints come at the same time as Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum navigates delicate negotiations with the Trump administration, one analyst says.
