Environment & Climate
Native remains unearthed amid border wall construction at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
ProPublica reports Native American remains were unearthed September 8 at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, where border wall contractors had overturned soil.
The short version
- ProPublica reports Native American remains were unearthed September 8 in soil overturned by border wall contractors.[ProPublica]
- The National Park Service says a University of Arizona assessment found the remains are human and consistent with tribal cremation practices.[ProPublica]
- CBP says it learned of the discovery six days later and found no other remains, while tribal chairman Verlon M. Jose said such finds are bound to happen.[ProPublica]
Key facts
- Native American remains were unearthed September 8 in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument amid soil overturned by border wall contractors.[ProPublica]
- The National Park Service said a University of Arizona assessment confirmed the remains are human and align with tribal cremation practices.[ProPublica]
- James T. Watson, a University of Arizona bioarcheology curator, said the evidence suggested precolonial cremation practices dating back 1,500 years.[ProPublica]
- CBP said it was advised of the discovery six days after it was made and that its specialists found no other remains.[ProPublica]
- Tribal chairman Verlon M. Jose expressed gratitude for notification but said such discoveries are bound to happen where sacred sites are disturbed.[ProPublica]
What remains uncertain
- CBP's statements that no other remains were found and no additional construction has occurred at the location to date are agency claims as reported, not independently confirmed.[ProPublica]
- The 1,500-year dating and precolonial link are Watson's assessment as reported, not a separate finding.[ProPublica]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.