Activists protesting construction of the double border wall in the San Rafael Valley reported via social media on Monday that more than 50 masked Border Patrol agents forcibly entered their camp on private property and began arresting protesters attempting to protect an ancient cottonwood tree.
The activists reported that the agents ignored demands to present a warrant, began destroying tents in the encampment and began physically confronting protesters. Video and an Instagram livestream showed the heavily armed agents surrounding and in some cases shoving the protesters. The “grandmother” cottonwood that had been the focal point of the protest was toppled shortly after 8 a.m. according to witnesses on site.
An email communication sent from Lochiel and shared with the PRT said at least 12 arrests had been made and that several protesters had to be treated for injuries.
Laurie Butler, who had given permission to the protesters to camp on her property, said she was not contacted by the Border Patrol prior to their arrival on her land. She described the outcome as “heartbreaking” and “depressing.”
“They have no respect for people or the law,” Butler said in a phone interview.
The PRT is attempting to contact the Border Patrol for comment.