New Mexico diocese demands jury trial in federal land seizure case
The Diocese of Las Cruces continues to challenge the federal government’s effort to acquire land at the base of Mount Cristo Rey for security border infrastructure.
The Diocese of Las Cruces, New Mexico, is demanding a jury trial after filing its latest response to the federal government's effort to seize land at the base of Mount Cristo Rey, a historic pilgrimage site near the U.S.-Mexico border.
The diocese made the request in its July 6 court filing, asking that a jury determine just compensation if the court allows the seizure to proceed. The filing also asks the court to invalidate the proposed taking, according to KOB 4 News, a local outlet.
The federal government filed an eminent domain lawsuit in May seeking to acquire more than 14 acres at the base of Mount Cristo Rey for border security infrastructure, including roads, fencing, vehicle barriers, cameras, and related structures, as Zeale News previously reported.
The diocese argues the proposed seizure would violate the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act by interfering with pilgrimages to Mount Cristo Rey. Court filings also contend the proposed border wall would "deface" and "profane" the sacred site.
The Trump administration has argued that the area is a major route for human smuggling along the U.S.-Mexico border and that closing the gap is necessary to help prevent illegal crossings.
In the filing, the diocese also disputed the government's proposed $183,071 as just compensation, arguing officials did not conduct a site visit before assessing the property, according to the outlet. It also noted that the government valued a nearby 7.3-acre, state-owned parcel at $798,500 — more than four times the value assigned to the diocesan property, despite being roughly half its size.
The disputed property is located at the base of Mount Cristo Rey, a 4,675-foot peak topped by a 29-foot limestone statue of Jesus Christ.
“Mount Cristo Rey is a site of profound religious, cultural and historical importance,” the diocese said in a statement, according to Zeale News. “For nearly a century, pilgrims have ascended Mount Cristo Rey in devotion and prayer, many of them making the trek annually.”
