Catholic diocese in U.S. sues Trump administration over border wall construction

The Catholic Diocese of New Mexico (USA) has initiated legal proceedings against the administration of President Donald Trump over plans to expand the border barrier at the border with Mexico. According to the publication Word and Deed, the dispute arose over a plot of land in the area of Mount Cristo Rey, where the famous nine-meter statue of Jesus Christ is located.

The area is sacred to the faithful and attracts tens of thousands of pilgrims each year. Representatives of the diocese claim that the construction of the border fence will make it impossible to hold traditional religious events. The lawsuit notes that the U.S. government has offered the church compensation of $183,000 for the removal of land, but the religious organization insists on maintaining free access to the shrine.

According to the position of the U.S. government, the disputed site is necessary for the development of border infrastructure. In particular, it is planned to build roads, install lighting systems, video surveillance cameras, sensors and transportation barriers. According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the project involves the construction of about 2.1 kilometers of fences south of Cristo Rey Mountain.

The publication also emphasizes that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem may have ignored a number of environmental regulations to speed up the pace of work. The incident develops against the backdrop of a public controversy between Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV, who continues to oppose military action and calls for international dialogue despite criticism from the White House.