Story perspectives

DOJ Seeks 14-Acre Diocese Land for Border Wall

5/16/2026

Summary

DOJ sues Diocese

On May 7 2026 the Department of Justice (DOJ) sued the Diocese of Cruces to seize 14 acres in New Mexico.
The government offered $183,071 while the diocese filed a May 8 response invoking the First Amendment and Religious Freedom Restoration Act as a burden on free exercise.
Customs and Border Protection will refer the case to the DOJ for eminent-domain, saying land is needed for a ‘Smart Wall’ with fencing, roads, lighting, cameras and sensors.

Summary

DOJ Eminent-Domain

Federal officials filed an eminent-domain action after months of requesting access to the Mount Cristo Rey site.
The 1930s limestone statue of Jesus Christ created a pilgrimage tradition that draws U.S. and Mexican Catholics, making the mountain a religious, cultural and historic landmark.
Negotiations with the Department of Justice led to revisions of the proposed “Smart Wall” project, though court filings did not detail the changes.

Summary

Escobar Condemns Suit

Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas) condemned the DOJ's eminent-domain lawsuit and pledged support for the diocese's opposition.
The diocese says a border wall at Mount Cristo Rey would damage its religious and cultural significance, block pilgrimage routes, and become a symbol of division.
Local officials warned the wall would disrupt the fall pilgrimage that attracts up to 40,000 visitors, as the administration pushes the border-wall agenda despite prior resistance.

Summary

Pope Beats Trump

A poll shows more Americans back Pope Leo XIV than President Donald Trump on immigration.
CBP reports illegal El Paso crossings fell to 1,200 in March, down from about 40,000 in March 2023.
Mexican pilgrims must use an official port before climbing the five-mile trail to Mount Cristo Rey.
Governor Kristi Noem suggested painting the whole wall black, though only a strip was painted.
Smeltertown residents built a 29-foot limestone statue, finished in 1940.

History

Historical Context

Attorney General Janet Reno announced Operation Gatekeeper in September 1994; it launched on October 1 with new fencing and added Border Patrol agents at San Ysidro. Congress later doubled the INS budget to $800 million, cutting San Diego apprehensions but pushing migrants toward Tucson. Today the DOJ’s eminent-domain suit against the Diocese of Cruces mirrors Gatekeeper’s legacy of prioritizing border infrastructure over other interests.

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DOJ sues Diocese

On May 7 2026 the Department of Justice (DOJ) sued the Diocese of Cruces to seize 14 acres in New Mexico.
The government offered $183,071 while the diocese filed a May 8 response invoking the First Amendment and Religious Freedom Restoration Act as a burden on free exercise.
Customs and Border Protection will refer the case to the DOJ for eminent-domain, saying land is needed for a ‘Smart Wall’ with fencing, roads, lighting, cameras and sensors.

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