Indigenous activist found not guilty on religious freedom grounds in border wall case

January 21, 2022

An Indigenous woman facing federal charges for blocking construction of former President Trump’s border wall in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument was found not guilty Wednesday on religious freedom grounds. 

More than a year since she was arrested, Amber Ortega left the federal courthouse in Tucson in tears, surrounded by an elated group of supporters. 

It was the second time she was in court over the two misdemeanor charges she faces for entering and refusing to leave a closed area in the park where construction was taking place. 

Source: Indigenous activist found not guilty on religious freedom grounds in border wall case