American politician, U.S. representative for Texas's 16th district
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.
The federal government has signaled it will sell or transfer seven of 11 ICE detention warehouses as officials move to a quieter, more limited approach to immigration enforcement. The Romulus, Michigan facility is among those under review, with several sites in Georgia, New Jersey, and Utah cited in reporting. DHS is moving to utilize existing detention space with state and county partners.