A member of Congress has introduced legislation aimed at preventing the federal government from using eminent domain to acquire Church-owned land around Mount Cristo Rey for the construction of a border wall.

Rep. Veronica Escobar, Democrat of Texas, introduced the Mount Cristo Rey Protection Act on July 20. If enacted, the legislation would recognise Mount Cristo Rey as a holy site and prohibit the use of federal funds to pursue legal action against the Diocese of Las Cruces to acquire the land through eminent domain.

The bill would also prohibit the use of federal funds to “construct, install, operate, or maintain border barrier infrastructure on or near Mount Cristo Rey”.

In May, the federal government filed suit against the Diocese of Las Cruces in New Mexico, arguing that it requires the 14 acres surrounding Mount Cristo Rey to strengthen security along the US-Mexico border. The government offered the diocese US$183,000 for the land.

Two bishops spoke out in support of the bill, saying that Mount Cristo Rey is an important landmark that needs to be protected. 

“For almost 100 years Mount Cristo Rey has been an iconic sacred site in our borderland region," said Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso.

“The mountain, with its 29-foot statue of Christ, is visible for many miles and stands at the border of two countries and three states. It has become for people in our region a holy site marking the unity of humanity and of faith that transcends borders.”

Around 40,000 pilgrims travel to Mount Cristo Rey each year for the Feast of Christ the King. On that day, the bishops of El Paso and Las Cruces lead a procession up the mountain before celebrating Mass near the statue of Christ.

“For the federal government to forcefully take this holy ground to build a tall barrier topped with razor wire would represent an overreach on the part of the government and create a sign that speaks, not of mutual respect and love, but of separation and rejection,” Seitz said.

The bishop added that he remained “confident” the Diocese of Las Cruces could negotiate a solution “to provide for the deterrence of unauthorized entry into this country while at the same time preserving the integrity of Mount Cristo Rey”.

Bishop Peter Baldacchino of Las Cruces echoed Seitz's remarks, saying that “generations” of people in the region “have climbed Mount Cristo Rey and united as a single community for prayer and celebration at the feet of Christ the King”.

“In a world fractured by political, racial and economic divisions, Mount Cristo Rey stands out as both a powerful symbol of hope and peace and a literal pathway to unity,” he said, adding that he was “grateful” for Escobar's legislation and the efforts of lawmakers to preserve the site.