Federal Government Seeks To Seize Land From Catholic Dioceses in New Mexico To Build Border Wall

As tensions simmer between the Trump administration and the Catholic Church over immigration and the war in Iran, the federal government is moving to seize land from a diocese in New Mexico to make way for its border wall. The federal government submitted an eminent domain request for the land on the lower slopes of Mount Cristo Rey, which is west of El Paso. The area features a 29-foot-tall limestone statue of Jesus, and every year sees thousands of pilgrims visit the area.According to the filing, the government would compensate the Las Cruces Diocese with about $183,000. The federal government says it “made best efforts to negotiate acquisition of the property interests sought prior to this condemnation action.”It also says that the area has become a major route for smugglers and migrants trying to illegally enter America since President Trump returned to office and ordered increased security at the border. In a filing, the government says it needs to “construct, install, operate, and maintain roads, fencing, vehicle barriers, security lighting, cameras, sensors, and related structures designed to help secure the United States/Mexico border.”The seizure threatens to become a new irritant between the Trump administration and the Catholic Church, whose leaders have repeatedly spoken out against the administration’s immigration crackdown and the treatment of migrants. Mr. Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, who is Catholic, has argued that Pope Leo XIV does not understand the situation at the border and has invited the pontiff to join ICE agents on a ride-along. In a court filing this week, the diocese said that the seizure of the land would “substantially burden” its religious freedom and the “other faithful who seek to commune with God on diocesan property.” While the statue itself would not be affected, the new installations would impact traditional access to the site.The diocese also said it has told the government that the seizure would “constitute a significant infringement on religious freedom and the rights of worship.” It is asking the court to stop the proceedings until its First Amendment concerns can be adjudicated.

Federal Government Seeks To Seize Land From Catholic Dioceses in New Mexico To Build Border Wall

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