EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) —U.S. Customs and Border Protection is proposing to construct more than a mile of 30-foot steel fencing along the southern base of Mount Cristo Rey.
The proposal is outlined in a draft environmental assessment released by CBP in June.
According to the agency, the project would “close critical gaps in the border wall and enhance border security operations in the U.S. Border Patrol’s El Paso, Tucson and Yuma Sectors.”
The Mount Cristo Rey Restoration Committee, which oversees care and maintenance of the mountain, says it was not notified directly of the proposal.
“The media’s actually the ones who started calling me, we had no idea,” Ruben Escandon, a spokesperson for the committee, said.
Escandon said the proposed barrier would not affect the pilgrimage trail but raised concerns about ongoing issues at the site, including vandalism, trespassing and visitor safety.
“We have people that come in from out of town, and they’re curious and they want to visit the site. And we just tell them that you have to risk, thinking that there’s no security in place. There’s no way to keep them safe or to keep them from climbing up the south side,” Escandon said.
In a previous interview, a woman who frequents the pilgrimage said she has seen suspicious activity near the mountain.
“Yeah, I’ve been here maybe three times, and yes, each time there’s somebody there watching,” she said.
The City of Sunland Park issued a statement saying:
“The City of Sunland Park is aware of the proposed border barrier construction project south of Mount Cristo Rey. At this time, we are reviewing the information released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and evaluating potential impacts on our community. We encourage residents to participate in the public comment process open through July 3, 2025, to ensure all voices are heard.”
CBP is accepting public feedback through July 3.
To send your thoughts, email ElPasoComments@cbp.dhs.gov, with the subject line “El Paso Sector Border Barrier Construction.”
Comments may also be submitted to CBP by calling (833) 412-2056 or by mailing the following address:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Border Patrol Headquarters
Program Management Office Directorate
1300 Pennsylvania Ave. 6.5E Mail Stop 1039
Washington, DC 20229-1100
ATTN: Michelle Barnes
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