Map Shows Area Trump Wants to Take From Catholic Church for Border Wall
Summary
The Trump administration is trying to take over more than 14 acres of land owned by the Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces near the U.S.-Mexico border to build and expand border security. The church argues this would hurt religious activities at a pilgrimage site on Mount Cristo Rey, while the government says the land is needed for border safety.Key Facts
- The land in question is around 14.26 acres near Mount Cristo Rey in Sunland Park, New Mexico.
- Mount Cristo Rey is a Catholic pilgrimage site with a large statue of Jesus visited by thousands each year.
- The federal government filed a lawsuit to take this land using eminent domain, a legal power to seize private property for public use.
- The government wants to build border wall infrastructure including roads, fencing, cameras, and sensors on the land.
- The Diocese of Las Cruces argues that building on this land would interfere with religious freedom and activities at the sacred site.
- The court has allowed the government to take ownership of the land for now but has not allowed construction to start.
- Defense attorneys say the government’s claim ignores protections for religious freedom under the First Amendment and a law called the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
- A U.S. Representative has introduced a bill to stop federal funds from being used to seize church land in this case.
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