Diocese of Las Cruces stalls DOJ land seizure over Mount Cristo Rey; fear the barrier would disrupt a 40,000- attendee pilgrimage. Local Catholic leadership, 10-county Diocese, Latin Church.
The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit to acquire about 14 acres of land in Dona Ana County, near Mount Cristo Rey, to install fencing, lighting, and surveillance near the border. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces is contesting the seizure, arguing it burdens religious exercise and sacred use of the site, which hosts annual pilgrimages. Compulsory possession would be added to ongoing legal battles over border infrastructure.