A federal judge has allowed the U.S. government to proceed with acquiring a portion of land owned by the Catholic Church in southern New Mexico for a border wall project. The decision permits officials to deposit compensation funds with the court while litigation continues.
The Diocese of Las Cruces owns the land, which is located near the U.S.-Mexico border. Federal officials identified the property as part of a planned border wall project in the region.
Under the ruling, the government may deposit compensation funds with the court and gain possession of the property before the legal dispute is resolved. Future proceedings will assess the amount payable to the church.
Church leaders have raised concerns about the proposed land acquisition, saying the site holds spiritual and historical value for the local community. They have also sought to preserve access to the area while the case is ongoing.
Federal officials said the project is part of ongoing initiatives to complete border infrastructure in designated areas. The acquisition, they claimed, follows laws governing the use of eminent domain for public purposes.
Legal experts in New Mexico said the case could take months or longer to resolve as the court resolves issues such as fair market value and the property’s intended use. The court has to rely on expert appraisals and assessments to determine compensation.
The judge’s decision permitting the federal government to deposit funds provides a basis for officials and church leaders to continue discussions as the case proceeds.