Border Patrol dismantles activist encampment in Arizona

Federal agents have moved to dismantle the ‘Lochiel Autonomous Zone,’ a large-scale activist encampment located along the Arizona-Mexico border. The site, which housed approximately 100 people, featured security checkpoints, supply networks, occupied buildings, and over 50 vehicles.

The occupation reportedly obstructed the construction of a double-layer border wall for several weeks. While the movement originated as an environmental protest following the removal of cottonwood trees in the San Rafael Valley, it expanded to include anarchist organizations such as CrimethInc. These groups raised nearly $75,000 to support efforts to stop wall construction.

Following the Border Patrol operation, construction of the border wall is expected to resume. Reports from the scene indicated that at least eight activists were arrested, and journalists documenting the federal action reported facing harassment and threats.