Three Protesters Released After Arrests at Cochise Border Wall

The right to protest peacefully is a core American freedom. When people disagree with government decisions, peaceful demonstrations are an important part of democracy. These protests have helped shape public policy and protect individual rights.

Peaceful protest, like the Civil Rights Marches led by Martin Luther King, Jr., is foundational to our democracy. | William Lovelace, Getty Images

However, disagreeing with the government does not mean you can protest however you want. Laws are in place to protect public safety, private property, and lawful operations.

Permits, restricted areas, and trespassing laws help balance free expression with property owners' rights and the safety of everyone involved. If people enter restricted areas or ignore lawful orders, law enforcement must respond. These issues became important earlier this week when three protesters challenged the law, and the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office stepped in to enforce it.

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Court Appearance Held Tuesday Morning

The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office reported on Facebook that three people were arrested after a protest at a restricted border wall construction site. The suspects have been released pending further court proceedings.

Courtesy Grady Butler, Cochise County Sheriff PIO

An update dated September 15 said the three appeared before Judge Poppe in Justice Court 1 for their first court appearance on Tuesday morning. The court released them on their own recognizance as the case continues.

The adult individuals were identified as:

Hannah Lee Graham, 36, of Santa Barbara, California
Alex E. Chabbott, 45, of Santa Barbara, California
Anwehn Teralee Kraus, 23, of Eugene, Oregon

Authorities say all arrested individuals are presumed innocent unless they are proven guilty in a court of law.

Protest Incident Occurred Near Border Construction Site

Authorities made the arrests after an incident on Monday, September 14, around 12:42 p.m. The suspects were found in a restricted construction area on the international border east of the Santa Cruz-Cochise County line.

The Sheriff's Office said security staff for the construction company told a group of protesters they were “not authorized to remain in the area.”

The report says the individuals refused to leave. Witnesses said several protesters then moved further into the restricted area and accessed construction materials for the border wall project.

READ: Juan Ciscomani Honors the Cochise County's SAT Volunteers

Sheriff Emphasizes Safety And Law Enforcement

The Sheriff's Office said the incident created safety and security concerns for protesters, construction workers, private security staff, and deputies who responded.

Sheriff Mark Dannels said CCSO supports the public's right to peaceful protest but will continue to enforce laws regarding trespassing, property protection, and public safety.

Sheriff Dannels stated, “The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office respects the right of individuals to peacefully protest and express their views. That right, however, does not extend to trespassing, damaging property, interfering with lawful operations, or creating a safety hazard, and we take a zero-tolerance approach to these actions.”

He finished by saying, “Our expectation is simple: individuals may exercise their lawful rights, but they must also comply with the law.”

Read Sheriff Dannels’ full response here.

READ: Arizona Seeks Federal Reimbursement for Border Wall Funding

The CCSO Supports Lawful & Peaceful Protests

The Cochise County Sheriff's Office said it will keep working with federal authorities, construction staff, and security partners about activities near restricted construction areas. Officials also encouraged demonstrators to stay in permitted areas and follow directions from security and law enforcement.

Find more information and the original press release on the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page: