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Posted on 05/16/2026 9:25:21 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
A Catholic diocese in New Mexico is challenging an effort by the Trump administration to seize part of its southern border property through eminent domain for the construction of a border security wall.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces filed a complaint against the federal government over plans to acquire roughly 14 acres of diocesan land for border security purposes.
Filed last week, the lawsuit argues that the proposed land seizure would interfere with access to Mount Cristo Rey, a popular pilgrimage site featuring a 29-foot-tall statue of Jesus Christ overlooking the border region.
Located near the borders of Texas and Mexico, the site includes a “well-maintained” hiking trail stretching roughly 4.4 miles round-trip and offering panoramic views of Texas, New Mexico and Mexico.
"The erection of a border wall through or along this holy site could irreparably damage its religious and cultural sanctity, obstruct pilgrimage routes, and transfer sacred space into a symbol of division," stated the legal filing, according to The National Catholic Reporter.
The diocese further argued that constructing a physical barrier on the property would "constitute a significant infringement on religious freedom and the rights of worship, which are protected under both the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.”
The Christian Post contacted the Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces for comment, but a spokesperson declined to discuss the case.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security defended the planned border wall, insisting the project would not interfere with access to Mount Cristo Rey.
“Smart wall construction in this area is located within 250 feet of the southern border, well south of the Mount Cristo Rey cross and access road. The cross is located approximately A QUARTER MILE, 1,300 to 1,400 feet, north of the border ON TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN,” a DHS spokesperson said in an emailed statement.
Since returning to office last year, President Donald Trump has pursued a wide-ranging crackdown on illegal immigration that includes expanded deportations and increased border wall construction.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has been using funds from the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” to create a barrier system known as a “Smart Wall,” which it describes as including “primary and secondary steel bollard wall, waterborne barriers, patrol roads, and the technology required to tie it all together, such as cameras, lights, and other detection technology.”
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TThis is a cheap shot
The strip of land the Feds want is on the south side of mountain at the very bottom
No where near the north side trail to.top of Mt
OR the shrine
Catholics just don’t want to see Any illegal route shut off since it denies them customers
If Mexicans want to have pilgrimages into the United States, they can apply for visas to do so like everyone else.
*yawn* no chance.
Imminent domain wins on this type of thing every time. But nice try leftists.
They seem worried about stopping illegal immigration. I’d check the “church” for tunnel exits and safe house rooms now.
obstruct pilgrimage routes,
.......
Declared invasions and closed borders have consequences
Exactly.
I’d like to know how much the cartels are paying this diocese.
“A QUARTER MILE, 1,300 to 1,400 feet, north of the border ON TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN,” a DHS spokesperson said in an emailed statement.“
More TDS bullshit. Those distances make their complaint irrelevant, putting aside that the security of our border is a dead legit eminent domain application.
hey have no standing, as a foreign organization violating the establishment clause of the Constitution.
Our Country and We the People come first. The Church Masters can figure it out when we’re done.
This is like the fifth time this has been posted. Anti-Catholics sure do love whipping the same horse over and over.
Catholic charities have encouraged and supported illegal immigration for years. No surprise they want to do this too, totally in character.
Below are the two earlier links followed by a Border Patrol photo of the south side (the trail to the top is on the north side).
Trump Admin fighting to seize Catholic pilgrimage site
Mount Cristo Rey in Sunland Park, as seen from a U.S. Customs and Border Protection helicopter on Dec. 14, 2021. Justin Hamel/For The Texas Tribune
The view from the north side:
Yup. Seem ‘em. Thanks.
The DHS spokesperson should be fired if he actually said that. Go to the most recent Google Earth figure that shows the border and where the access road and auxiliary equipment will go. The Roosevelt military width is 50 feet; the government is asking for an additional 190 feet for a total of 240 feet north of the border. There is still a 1,000 foot distance from the statue plus the area is about 400 feet lower in elevation. No impact at all.
Due to the proximity of Mexico on the Southern edge of the mountain, visitors are cautioned not climb alone and always go in groups. Vandalism, assaults and robberies are still an ongoing problem and visitors are encouraged to visit on days when organized events are being held and security is on site. Please visit the events page to get dates of upcoming events.
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