Trump Administration Seeks Church Land for Border Wall, Sparking Legal Battle
The Trump administration is attempting to acquire over a dozen acres of land owned by the Diocese of Las Cruces near Mount Cristo Rey, a Catholic pilgrimage site, to expand the U.S.-Mexico border wall. The federal government argues that the land is necessary for border security enhancements, including roads, fencing, and surveillance equipment. However, the Diocese contends that the seizure would impede religious practices at the site, which is significant for its annual pilgrimages. The legal dispute has drawn attention from lawmakers, with Representative Veronica Escobar introducing legislation to block the use of federal funds for the land acquisition. 
