San Diego sues federal agencies over razor wire fencing on city land

Source: AP

Updated 1:19 PM EST, January 28, 2026


The city of San Diego is suing the federal government for building razor wire fencing on city land near the Mexican border, arguing that the fence damages sensitive habitat and trespasses on city property.

The lawsuit, filed with the federal Southern District Court on Jan. 5, names the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Defense, along with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other federal officials. It argues that U.S. Marines illegally entered city land in December and built fences in Marron Valley, east of Otay Mountain.

The fences caused “irreparable harm to protected plant and wildlife habitats, riparian areas, and vernal pools” the city argued, saying the fence blocks city access to the site and jeopardizes conservation programs designed to protect that habitat. The city is asking the court to halt any more fence construction and declare the city’s right to ownership and use of the land.

“The City of San Diego will not allow federal agencies to disregard the law and damage city property,” City Attorney Heather Ferbert said in a statement. “We are taking decisive action to protect sensitive habitats, uphold environmental commitments, and ensure that the rights and resources of our community are respected.”

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/san-diego-lawsuits-california-u-s-department-of-homeland-security-military-and-defense-92e3820c00f46acd7daa03e05b9e0ff8