Month: July 2026

UPDATE (3:54 p.m.):

The U.S. government filed a motion for judgment on the pleadings to finalize the condemnation of 14.259 acres of land in Doña Ana County, New Mexico. Owned by the Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces, the property is intended to help Customs and Border Protection secure the U.S.-Mexico border.

Although the Diocese raised religious and monetary objections, the government maintains they are legally insufficient to halt the seizure.

Federal law generally recognizes only one valid objection to a condemnation proceeding: that the United States’ land acquisition was not for a congressionally authorized public use.

The United States requested that the Court enter judgment on the pleadings as to the lawfulness of this condemnation. — United States of America

SUNLAND PARK, New Mexico (KVIA) — Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) introduced the Mount Cristo Rey Protection Act, legislation designed to prohibit the federal government from using eminent domain at Mount Cristo Rey. This action follows the Trump administration’s announcement of its intent to seize land at the sacred site for border wall construction.

The Trump administration announced plans to seize approximately 14 acres of land near the base of Mount Cristo Rey to extend the southern border wall. Mount Cristo Rey is a significant religious and cultural landmark owned by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces, serving the El Paso and Southern New Mexico area since 1939. The site welcomes more than 40,000 pilgrims and visitors annually for Good Friday and other religious observances.

Congresswoman Escobar emphasized the site’s importance:

“Mount Cristo Rey is a religious and cultural landmark that has been central to our community for generations,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “Rather than working with border communities to advance effective border security, the Trump Administration continues to disregard the people, history, and culture that make our region special. I will continue to fight for its preservation.”

El Paso Bishop Mark J. Seitz highlighted the unique position of Mount Cristo Rey:

“For almost 100 years Mount Cristo Rey has been an iconic sacred site in our borderland region,” said El Paso Bishop Mark J. Seitz. “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. 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. As the Bishop of El Paso I support this Bill which would call the federal government to set aside a heavy-handed abuse of power against this sacred place.  I am confident that through negotiation with the rightful owners of the property, the Church of Las Cruces, solutions can be found to provide for the deterrence of unauthorized entry into this country while at the same time preserving the integrity of Mount Cristo Rey.”

Las Cruces Bishop Peter Baldacchino also spoke about the site’s historical significance:

“For generations, the faithful from the cities, farms and villages of the borderland have climbed Mount Cristo Rey and united as a single community for prayer and celebration at the feet of Christ the King,” said Las Cruces Bishop Peter Baldacchino. “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. We are grateful for the actions of Rep. Escobar and other legislators in helping to preserve this important site for generations to come.”

The Mount Cristo Rey Protection Act aims to officially recognize Mount Cristo Rey as a holy site. It further seeks to prohibit the use of federal funds to litigate against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces in its lawsuit challenging the federal government’s attempted land seizure.

Additionally, the act would prohibit the use of federal funds to construct, install, operate or maintain border barrier infrastructure on or near Mount Cristo Rey.

This legislation builds on Congresswoman Escobar’s previous efforts to protect the site. During consideration of the Fiscal Year 2027 Homeland Security Appropriations bill by the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Escobar offered an amendment to prohibit the use of federal funds for border wall construction at Mount Cristo Rey. This amendment was rejected by House Republicans.

The Mount Cristo Rey Protection Act is now in the legislative process, aiming to provide protections for the sacred site.

ABC-7 reached out to the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection for comment.

A CBP spokesperson sent us the following written statement:

“CBP’s priority is to implement President Trump’s Executive Order 14165, “Securing our Borders” and Proclamation 10142, “Declaring a National Emergency at the Southern Border of the United States.” Congress mandated that DHS achieve and maintain operational control of the border and directed the Secretary to construct barriers and roads and authorized the Secretary of Homeland Security to waive all legal requirements determined necessary to ensure the expeditious construction of barriers and roads.”

“CBP is utilizing the $46.5 billion from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to construct a Smart Wall, which includes a steel bollard wall, along with roads, detection technology, cameras, lighting and in some cases waterborne barrier or a secondary wall – creating a double layer barrier. These elements are integrated into the awarded border barrier contracts.”

“The locations of Smart Wall and technology are determined by the U.S. Border Patrol’s requirements, which vary according to operational conditions and geographic terrain at each location. CBP is committed to ongoing coordination with local landowners, stakeholders, and governments throughout planning and construction activities.”

“Smart wall construction in this area is located within 250 feet of the international boundary, well south of the Mount Cristo Rey cross and access road. The cross is located a quarter mile or 1,300 to 1,400 feet north of the border. Access to the shrine will not be affected, as all attendees enter from the U.S. side. Smart Wall construction will enhance safety for those using the grounds.”

A DHS spokesperson also sent us this written statement:

“Anyone who spent thirty seconds examining a map of Mount Cristo Rey and the southern border would realize how ludicrous these claims are. 

Smart wall construction in this area is located within 250 feet of the southern border, well south of the Mount Cristo Rey cross and access road. The cross is located approximately A QUARTER MILE, 1,300 to 1,400 feet, north of the border ON TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN. Access to the shrine will not be affected, as all attendees enter from the U.S. side. The only individuals who could POSSIBLY be impacted by the border wall are illegal aliens attempting to illegally enter our country.”

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The El Paso City Council Monday approved its first Data Center Policy Framework, establishing a comprehensive approach for evaluating future hyperscale data center projects.

The framework strengthens protections for residents, infrastructure, natural resources and utility ratepayers in El Paso.

The new framework follows nearly six months of research, public engagement, coordination with regional partners and policy analysis directed by City Council in February 2026. During this period, the City hosted six community meetings, gathered more than 2,300 public comments and received 274 online survey responses. Additionally, 162 comments submitted during public review of the draft framework were incorporated into the policy.

Residents consistently raised concerns about water use, electricity demand, environmental impacts, transparency, infrastructure, incentives and long-term accountability, which directly shaped the framework’s recommendations.

The framework establishes clear expectations for future hyperscale data center projects and details policy recommendations. It will require future hyperscale data center applications to obtain a Special Permit, ensuring public notice, City Plan Commission review, a public hearing and final action by City Council. The policy also establishes enhanced environmental standards to address water use, energy demand, wastewater, noise, lighting and ecological impacts.

“This framework reflects months of listening, public engagement and careful policy development,” City Manager Dionne Mack said.

It establishes clear expectations for future hyperscale data center projects while strengthening environmental protections, accountability and public participation. It also gives the City a roadmap to continue adapting its policies as technology, regulations and community priorities evolve, ensuring future decisions protect El Paso’s residents, infrastructure, natural resources and ratepayers.

The framework eliminates local economic incentives for future hyperscale data center projects, consistent with prior City Council policy direction. It encourages Community Benefit Agreements that provide measurable investments in local priorities.

The policy expands state and federal advocacy efforts to strengthen utility ratepayer protections, improve transparency and address the impacts of large-load facilities. Policies intended to improve long-term accountability are also part of the framework.

These include enhanced disclosure requirements, parent-company commitments where legally appropriate and stronger utility cost protections. The measures also help ensure future infrastructure costs are borne by project developers rather than existing residential and business customers. The framework also advances priorities identified in the City’s Climate Action Plan by incorporating environmental stewardship, infrastructure planning, economic accountability and community engagement into future policy decisions.

It is intended to serve as a living policy document that can continue evolving through future City Council actions as technology, utility requirements, laws, regulations and community priorities change.

Implementation of the framework will occur through future ordinance amendments, policy updates and other actions. These measures will return to City Council for consideration through the City’s public decision-making process.

The policy framework will not impact the data center currently being built by Meta in Northeast El Paso.

Veronica Carbajal, an opponent of the Meta data center said the community doesn’t want data centers in El Paso and she wishes the policy framework had been in place before Meta started to construct its operations.

“We’re happy that staff took the time to look at the comments, but we are disappointed even with the regulations that are that are here, including the fact that renewable energy is not mandatory,” Carbajal said.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — A 28-year-old man has been charged with theft of property and criminal trespass after allegedly stealing a repossessed car and crossing it into Juarez, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office said.

On July 10 at 9:32 p.m., deputies responded to a reported stolen vehicle at a repossession lot on the 12700 block of Sgt. Figueroa Street.

EPCSO said deputies determined a black Dodge Charger, valued at $24,284, had been lawfully repossessed from its owner — Kevin Alonso Arceo — earlier that day and was later stored in the lot.

Later that evening, the Arceo allegedly entered the property illegally, caused $1,000 in damage and stole the car, EPCSO said.

Shortly after the theft, deputies learned the Charger crossed into Juarez, according to EPCSO. U.S. Customs and Border Protection coordinated with the sheriff’s office to identify Arceo as a suspect.

On July 15, deputies found Arceo on the 11700 block of Montana Avenue, near the intersection with Saul Kleinfeld Drive in East El Paso.

EPSCO arrested and booked him into the El Paso County Detention Facility with a $8,500 bond.