Trump moves to seize Mount Cristo Rey land for border barrier near El Paso

TL;DR Summary
The Trump administration has filed a federal lawsuit to seize 14 acres at Mount Cristo Rey, a Catholic shrine near El Paso, to install border barriers and surveillance technology. The Diocese of Las Cruces says the move violates religious freedom and would damage a sacred site visited by thousands yearly; the government says the land is needed to secure the border and has offered about $183,000. Separately, construction of 30-foot border barriers south of the mountain is underway under a $95 million contract, highlighting a broader push to use eminent domain for border security.
- Trump administration sues Catholic diocese to seize land on religious site near El Paso for border barrier The Texas Tribune
- Trump officials sue Catholic diocese in bid to seize land for border wall Axios
- DOJ clarifies land condemnation plans near Mount Cristo Rey KTSM 9 News
- Trump admin suing New Mexico Catholic diocese for its land The Independent
- In new battle with Catholic Church, Feds seek Jesus-topped border peak USA Today
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