Federal Government Seeks Eminent Domain on Mount Cristo Rey for Border Wall Construction
Federal officials have initiated an eminent domain claim to acquire Mount Cristo Rey, a mountain on the Texas-Mexico-New Mexico border, from the Catholic Church. The government aims to use the land for President Trump's border wall, citing the need to prevent unauthorized immigration. The mountain, topped with a statue of Jesus, is a significant religious site, drawing pilgrims from both sides of the border. The Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces opposes the acquisition, arguing it would violate religious rights and disrupt pilgrimage routes. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has stated that they attempted to purchase the land but resorted to eminent domain when the church refused to sell. The proposed 'Smart Wall' would include steel bollards and remote-detection technology. The diocese has filed a court case to block the acquisition, emphasizing the site's cultural and religious importance. 
