There is some debate about the amount of raiding that occurred in the US Southwest before the arrival of the Spanish. Archaeological and osteological evidence suggests, although it does not prove, that raiding was likely quite common in the American Southwest.

For example, Linda Cordell's studies of the Pueblo site of Broken K in Chaco Canyon found substantial numbers of adult male, non-local skeletons buried together within the community. Additionally, skeletal trauma from battle wounds is quite common in the archaeological record. Furthermore, many pueblos were built as defensive structures, with walls as much as 3 feet thick and watchtowers, suggesting a fear of attack.