Diocese fights Trump border wall at shrine

The Diocese of Las Cruces in New Mexico has intensified its legal challenge against the Trump administration’s bid to acquire part of the Mount Cristo Rey pilgrimage site for construction of a US-Mexico border wall, arguing the move violates religious freedom protections.

In a June 19 filing before the US District Court for the District of New Mexico, the diocese said the proposed seizure of 14 acres, including part of the Mount Cristo Rey site, would amount to an “affront to religious liberty”. The filing was supported by declarations from Las Cruces Bishop Peter Baldacchino, El Paso Bishop Mark J Seitz and Episcopal Diocese of Rio Grande Bishop Michael Buerkel Hunn.

The federal government is seeking the land through eminent domain for a border wall project. While Judge Kenneth J Gonzales has allowed the government to deposit $183,071 as compensation, he noted the diocese retains the right to challenge the acquisition.

The diocese argued the wall would deface the sacred site, restrict access for pilgrims and contradict Catholic teachings on human dignity and support for migrants. Bishop Baldacchino said the project would desecrate a place of worship and conflict with canon law, which requ­i­r­es Vatican approval for any sale of diocesan land. The federal government has until July 3 to respond. A hearing is scheduled for July 23. —Agencies