In a recent incident that is sparking outrage and raising several questions, a Native American man from southern Arizona has been fatally shot after he called for assistance in dealing with illegal immigrants on his property. This incident took place on Indian land, right at the heart of the complex and controversial border situation that the U.S. is currently grappling with.
The man, identified as Raymond Mattia from the Tohono O’odham Tribe, was shot multiple times by his front door last Thursday night. Mattia had made a call to agents from the Customs and Border Protection station in nearby Ajo, Arizona, after discovering individuals on his lawn in the village of Menegers Dam, a few miles north of the border.
His plea for assistance was clear; he wanted help removing multiple illegal immigrants who had trespassed onto his property. As Border Patrol agents arrived at his home, Mattia went outside to meet them. Moments later, gunshots were heard.
A family member, preferring to remain anonymous, shared the harrowing experience with KVOA-TV. They recalled the sound of the gunshots, likening it to the noise of war, and expressed their disbelief and shock at what had transpired.
Border Patrol confirmed to KOLD-TV that its agents were involved in the incident but refrained from providing further details.
Understandably, Mattia’s family is devastated and angered by the event. They report that as many as 38 shots were fired at Mattia, a figure they believe indicates excessive force. Their demand for justice is loud and clear as they seek an explanation for the tragic turn of events.
Ophelia Rivas, a friend of Mattia, also commented on his demise. Rivas accused the Border Patrol of a history of “aggression” on Tohono O’odham land. She hinted at past instances of unchecked behavior, claiming that agents often displayed a lack of respect toward the people and the land.
The Tohono O’odham police, alongside the FBI and CPB’s Office of Professional Responsibility, are currently investigating the shooting. The reservation, home to about 9,500 people according to the 2020 Census, extends across Maricopa, Pima, and Pima Counties, and shares a 62-mile-long border with Mexico. Members of the tribe have traditionally resisted efforts to control this border.
The border situation is further complicated by the reported exploitation by drug cartels, which are said to be taking advantage of the reservation’s porous border with Mexico.
As this tragic incident unfolds, it underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive and balanced approach to border control. In ensuring border security, it is essential to respect the rights and lives of the local people while maintaining a firm stance against illegal activity.
