TUCSON, Ariz. — The Pima County Board of Supervisors will participate in a lawsuit against the Trump Administration. The suit pertains to the proposed border wall between the U.S. and Mexico.
In executive session Tuesday, the supervisors voted to accept a recommendation that allows them to take part in the suit.
The recommendation outlines that Pima County should enter into the suit "amicus curiae." That means they can advise and offer expertise on the subject of the border wall without actually being party to the lawsuit. Usually, amicus curiae statements are presented in a brief.
Supervisor Steve Christy voted against the resolution.
"The resolution I voted against involves an effort by environmental groups and others to urge the Supreme Court to hear a case questioning the President and the Executive Branch’s authority to delegate to The Department of Homeland Security ability to determine where the southern border wall could or should be built," Christy wrote. "In my view, clearly that Executive Branch authority of delegation exists. It is obvious that the resolution is a disguise and diversion under the veil of potential “environmental damage” as a result of the wall’s construction. Again, it is my view that this resolution is another attempt by those against building the wall to further delay the administration’s efforts to construct it and that Pima County should not involve itself in a Federal matter."
KGUN 9 also reached out to board chair Richard Elias for his take on the resolution. So far we have not heard back.
