Dozens of protesters wearing red, holding “Not One Drop For Data” signs, stood alongside the road to the Pima County Fairgrounds on Friday morning, to protest construction that’s started at the Project Blue data center site.
Shortly after 8 a.m., demonstrators tried to block construction vehicles from leaving the site. A deputy in an unmarked vehicle arrived to ask protesters to move out of the way.
The protesters responded with chants of “We respect the workers, we don’t respect the work.”
After that, another unmarked vehicle and three marked Pima County sheriff SUVs arrived at the scene. A total of five sheriff’s deputies attempted to ask protesters to move out of the way, citing concerns for safety while reassuring them that they were allowed to be there. Protesters ignored their requests and were moved out of the way by the deputies. PCSD left shortly after that.
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A resident holds up an anti-Project Blue sign during a community meeting in downtown Tucson on Aug. 4.
Alisa Reznick/KJZZ
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Community members holding signs opposing Project Blue filled Tucson City Council chambers during a study session discussing the fate of the data center proposal.
Alisa Reznick/KJZZ
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Residents hold up a sign protesting Project Blue during a community meeting in Tucson on Aug. 4. The plan was tied to Amazon Web Services, which federal agencies like DHS and ICE also use for surveillance purposes.
Alisa Reznick/KJZZ
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Residents speak during a Project Blue community meeting in Tucson on Aug. 4.
Alisa Reznick/KJZZ
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Representatives with Beale Infrastructure joined Tucson officials to give information about Project Blue during a meeting on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, held at Mica Mountain High School in Tucson’s far southeast side.
Alisa Reznick/KJZZ
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Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and other city leaders listen to a presentation about Project Blue during a community meeting in southeast Tucson on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. The mayor and council will first vote on the project in August.
Alisa Reznick/KJZZ
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Representatives with Beale Infrastructure joined Tucson officials to give information about Project Blue during a meeting on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, held at Mica Mountain High School in Tucson’s far southeast side.
Alisa Reznick/KJZZ
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Representatives with Beale Infrastructure joined Tucson officials to give information about Project Blue during a meeting on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, held at Mica Mountain High School in Tucson’s far southeast side.
Alisa Reznick/KJZZ
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Pamphlets against Project Blue are displayed at the Watershed Management Group's Living Lab in midtown Tucson.
Alisa Reznick/KJZZ
