Originally posted June 21, 2026
At sunrise, when the day’s first golden glow washes over the 29-foot-tall limestone Jesus atop Mount Cristo Rey, Lourdes Castañon feels the presence of the divine. “The rays catch it,” he said, “and, oh man, I think I’m touching the face of God.”
Countless pilgrims from around the world journey to the sacred site just on New Mexico’s side of the southwestern border, but Mr. Castañon fears for its future. At the mountain’s base, President Trump wants to build his border wall, and the small Catholic diocese that owns the land is trying to stop it.
The Department of Homeland Security is attempting to use eminent domain to seize 14 acres of desert from the diocese, based in Las Cruces, N.M., so it can raise about 1.5 miles of new wall. The church claims a towering steel barrier would desecrate a holy landmark and violate the religious liberties of those who wish to worship there.
Read the full article at NYTimes.
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