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CBP Blasts Sacred Kumeyaay Mountain, Leaders Threaten Lawsuit

5/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Contractors are blasting Kuuchamaa Mountain for a wall segment while CBP says it will leave drainage gates open and use detection technology in corridors.
Kumeyaay Nation leader Norma Meza Calles called the mountain a sacred healer and condemned its demolition.
Kumeyaay leaders met Department of Homeland Security officials, are exploring legal action and cite federal law that makes desecrating a sacred Native American site a felony after agency waived cultural and environmental protections.

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Story summary

Contractors are blasting Kuuchamaa Mountain for a wall segment while CBP says it will leave drainage gates open and use detection technology in corridors.
Kumeyaay Nation leader Norma Meza Calles called the mountain a sacred healer and condemned its demolition.
Kumeyaay leaders met Department of Homeland Security officials, are exploring legal action and cite federal law that makes desecrating a sacred Native American site a felony after agency waived cultural and environmental protections.