Trump admin seeks border wall land currently used for Christ the King pilgrimage
The Trump administration is pursuing land for a border wall that includes the pilgrimage site of Mount Cristo Rey in New Mexico. The Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces has filed a lawsuit against this eminent domain effort, arguing it infringes on religious freedom. Local politicians, including U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, have expressed opposition, stating there are alternative ways to ensure border security without harming sacred sites.
- ▪The land targeted for the border wall is used for an annual pilgrimage attended by approximately 40,000 people.
- ▪The Catholic Diocese argues that the construction would damage the religious and cultural significance of the site.
- ▪Local politicians have criticized the administration's approach, advocating for alternative border security measures.
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News Trump admin seeks border wall land currently used for Christ the King pilgrimage Each year on the Feast of Christ the King, approximately 40,000 pilgrims make their way up Mount Cristo Rey to celebrate Mass. Las Cruces, New MexicoShutterstock RayHilbrich 0 Ray Hilbrich Comments 0 Mon May 18, 2026 - 2:46 pm EDT (LifeSiteNews) — The tension between the Catholic Church and the Trump administration continues to escalate. The Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces, New Mexico, has been named in a federal lawsuit after the diocese said it would challenge an eminent domain effort tied to the construction of a border wall. As reported by The Texas Tribune, the land that the Trump administration hopes to obtain for the border wall contains the pilgrimage site, Mount Cristo Rey.
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