The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces in New Mexico to seize approximately 14 acres of land near Mount Cristo Rey for border wall construction. The Department of Justice is using eminent domain to acquire the property, which is home to a 29-foot limestone statue of Jesus Christ and serves as a major pilgrimage site.
The government has offered $183,071 as compensation for the land, which it plans to use for fencing, security lighting, and cameras. The Department of Homeland Security dismissed claims that the shrine would be affected, stating that the wall would be built 250 feet from the border, well south of the cross and access road.
Attorneys for the diocese argue that the construction would interfere with religious activities, including an annual pilgrimage that draws up to 40,000 people. They cite the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, claiming the seizure would substantially burden the free exercise of religion.
The lawsuit follows recent tensions between President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV over comments on Iran. The diocese did not reference these diplomatic issues in its legal filings. The Department of Homeland Security has waived environmental rules to expedite construction of 1.3 miles of barrier in the area.
