EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces said it opposes any “construction” along or near Mount Cristo Rey that would “impair the religious, cultural historic significance” of the area.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection said it is planning to construct more than a mile of new border barrier near Mount Cristo Rey in Doña Ana County.
The proposed border barrier would be 1.32 miles long and would be south of Mount Cristo Rey.
CBP said it was accepting comments and information about the proposed project. The comment period, however, closed on Thursday, July 3.
The Las Cruces Diocese said it submitted a comment to CBP on Thursday, regarding its request for input on the project.
The Diocese cited the mountain’s historic significance to followers of the Catholic faith and to migrants seeking a better life in the United States and inconsistent requests from the federal government concerning the scope of the project.
The statement reads in part:
“The Diocese has taken, and continues to take, the position that a grant of entry onto land it owns for CBP purposes, whether temporary or permanent, would deter those pilgrims and migrants from exercising their religion as they have done for almost one hundred years,” it said.
The Diocese also said that “a place of hope, faith, and communion would become a place of fear, exclusion and division.”
The Las Cruces Diocese also said that “any federal action to seize this land, construct physical barriers, or impede access to Mount Cristo Rey would constitute a significant infringement on religious freedom and the rights of worship, which are protected under both the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA).”
The Diocese also said it has “respectfully but firmly urged CBP, the DOJ, and the Department of Homeland Security to exclude Mount Cristo Rey and surrounding areas from all border barrier planning, surveying, or construction activities.”
Here is the entire statement the Las Cruces Diocese sent to KTSM:
“The Diocese opposes any construction which would impair the religious, cultural, and historical significance of Mount Cristo Rey. Over the past several months, the Diocese has received multiple inquiries and requests from the United States Department of Justice (“DOJ”) seeking access to Mount Cristo Rey, located on land owned by the Diocese, for the purposes of evaluation for and possible development of a border wall. Throughout that period of time, the Diocese has expressed its opposition to any efforts by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”), the DOJ, or any other federal agency, to construct a border wall or related infrastructure on its property at Mount Cristo Rey.
“Over the course of the Diocese’s communications with DOJ regarding this proposed project, the scope of the right of entry requested by DOJ varied significantly, and the impact of the project proposed through the June 3, 2025 Request for Input on Border Barrier Construction in Dona Ana County, New Mexico on Mount Cristo Rey is not clear – and does not appear to be consistent with the requests previously made to the Diocese.
“In addition to being a natural landmark visible throughout the borderland region of New Mexico, Texas, and northern Mexico, Mount Cristo Rey is a site of profound religious, cultural, and historical importance. For nearly a century, pilgrims have ascended Mount Cristo Rey in devotion and prayer, many of them making the trek annually for the Christ the King pilgrimage, a tradition dating back to the 1930s, when construction began on the iconic 29-foot statue of Christ at its summit.
“Thousands of faithful each year from across the borderland region engage in pilgrimage to this site, viewing the mountain not just as a monument, but also as a place of prayer where faith transcends borders. Pilgrims to Mount Cristo Rey seek a place of prayer, reflection, and communion with God.
“For many migrants, Mount Cristo Rey represents hope, and is a reminder of the presence of God in their lives, even in the midst of a long, harsh and often perilous journey. The Diocese has taken, and continues to take, the position that a grant of entry onto land it owns for CBP purposes, whether temporary or permanent, would deter those pilgrims and migrants from exercising their religion as they have done for almost one hundred years. A place of hope, faith, and communion would become a place of fear, exclusion and division.
“The erection of a border wall through or along this holy site could irreparably damage its religious and cultural sanctity, obstruct pilgrimage routes, and transform the sacred space into a symbol of division. Any federal action to seize this land, construct physical barriers, or impede access to Mount Cristo Rey would constitute a significant infringement on religious freedom and the rights of worship, which are protected under both the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA).
“The Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces has respectfully but firmly urged CBP, the DOJ, and the Department of Homeland Security to exclude Mount Cristo Rey and surrounding areas from all border barrier planning, surveying, or construction activities. Throughout this process, and in response to the CBP request for comment, the Diocese has indicated that it welcomed continued dialogue and strongly encourage the agency to pursue alternative border management strategies that respect religious heritage, community values, and human dignity.”
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