Trump Admin Fights to Seize Catholic Pilgrimage Site for Texas Border Wall
Summary
The Trump administration is seeking to take over more than 14 acres of land owned by the Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces in New Mexico to expand border wall infrastructure near the important religious site Mount Cristo Rey. The Diocese is legally challenging the government, arguing the seizure would harm the pilgrimage site and violate religious freedom laws.Key Facts
- The government filed a lawsuit to seize 14.259 acres of church land using eminent domain, led by Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin.
- The land is needed for building border-security features such as roads, fencing, lighting, cameras, and sensors.
- The land involved lies along the U.S.–Mexico border south of Mount Cristo Rey, a site of religious significance with up to 40,000 annual Catholic pilgrims.
- The Diocese argues the land seizure would block pilgrimage routes and damage sacred areas protected by the First Amendment and Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
- The government values the land at about $183,000 but could take control before final compensation is decided if a judge allows it.
- Doña Ana County, where the site is located, has about 225,000 people and is New Mexico’s second-largest county.
- Mount Cristo Rey features a 29-foot statue of Christ and has cultural and religious importance to people in southern New Mexico and West Texas.
- Church leaders plan to use all legal means to oppose the government’s action, citing concerns over religious freedom and community impact.
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