At Mount Cristo Rey in Sunland Park, New Mexico, thousands of pilgrims climb each year to a 29-foot statue of Christ, a tradition the Catholic diocese that owns the property describes as a holy site. NPR reported that the dispute now centers on the federal government’s plan to extend the border wall at the foot of the mountain—an effort that has led to a court fight over what federal construction and enforcement could mean for religious practice.
NPR’s report said the Department of Homeland Security filed the lawsuit using eminent domain, aiming to seize about 14 acres connected to the mountain for additional border infrastructure. In the plan described by the government, the property would be used for elements such as additional roads, fencing, vehicle barriers, security lighting, cameras and sensors.
The Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces is challenging the effort, according to NPR, and said in a court filing that the government’s action would “substantially burden the free exercise of religion.” The diocese’s position is also reflected in statements attributed to its attorney, William Powell, who told NPR that “the effort to condemn diocesan land to build a border wall is an affront to religious liberty,” as he represented the Las Cruces diocese.
In Sunland Park, NPR described the mountain as overlooking New Mexico, Texas and Mexico, with the Good Friday pilgrimage drawing what the story said is one of the largest crowds. NPR reported that at least 40,000 people a year walk the path up the mountain to reach the limestone sculpture, and described how families view the climb as part of long-standing religious practice.
NPR also interviewed members of an all-volunteer group that supports the site and said they rely on donations to maintain the statue. Ruben Escandon, described by NPR as part of the Mount Cristo Rey Restoration Committee, said the government’s approach was wrong, arguing, “I think they’re doing it backwards - starting the construction. And then now they’re covering their behinds, you know, saying, OK, well, now we need to take the property.”
In the reporting, NPR said the planned eminent domain steps are paired with existing border-security activity in the area. The report said helicopters, drones, Border Patrol agents on horseback and SUVs already patrol the mountain, along with ground sensors and cameras, and described the legal fight as one that could take months.
For U.S. Customs and Border Protection, NPR cited a statement saying, “access to the shrine will not be affected as all attendees enter from the U.S. side.” The agency’s view is positioned against concerns raised by residents and pilgrimage participants who objected to equipment and clearing work connected to extending the wall.
Among those interviewed by NPR was a resident, April Fincher, who told NPR during her first hike with her 14-year-old daughter that she was focused on whether the pilgrimage route would still allow people to reach the top if construction proceeded. A resident named in NPR’s story as Ramon Garcia also described the issue in terms of land being taken, with NPR presenting the remarks without translating the non-English-language portion of his comments.