Category: kvia-local-news

Heriberto Perez Lara

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.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Nina Gallegos

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

Gabrielle Lopez

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

Gabrielle Lopez

CANUTILLO, Texas (KVIA) — Monday, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office said it arrested a 20-year-old man for an alleged stabbing in Canutillo. Adam Fierro faces an aggravated assault charge.

At 1:48 a.m. Sunday, deputies went to the 600 block of Joe Angel Road in Canutillo for an assault report, EPCSO said. It happened in a neighborhood near the Outlet Mall.

Deputies found a 21-year-old man with multiple stab wounds. Deputies gave first aid until a fire crew and ambulance arrived and transported the victim to a hospital.

An investigation revealed the stabbing happened after a dispute between neighbors escalated into violence. Deputies found a knife believed to have been used, EPCSO said.

After the investigation, deputies obtained an arrest warrant for Fierro, who was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon causing serious bodily injury.

Fierro’s bond was set at $75,000.

Click here to follow the original article.

Max Zepeda

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The Abundant Church, which has three campuses across West, East, and Downtown El Paso, hosted their annual “Back to School: Backpack Giveaway” for the upcoming school year.

The church gave away nearly 1,500 new backpacks filled with school supplies including pencils, notebooks, folders, etc. to families in the community.

According to the church, this event is “one of the many ways Abundant Church serves the El Paso community, in hopes of providing students in need with essential school supplies to help them start the new school year prepared and confident.”

However, the giveaway was not exclusive to members of the congregation alone, as attendees simply needed to be at this Sunday’s services to receive a voucher to claim a free backpack for their child, who also needed to be present.

“With Back to School, there’s a great need, you know,” Jared Nieman, Abundant Lead Pastor told ABC 7. “And kids need backpacks. They need supplies. That supply list doesn’t change, and it’s pretty big.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Mia Tricarico

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — A battle over the future of the Bridge of the Americas (BOTA) reached a boiling point this week as local business leaders united in sharp opposition to a massive federal modernization plan.

The El Paso Chamber convened a meeting drawing nearly 70 community members, business owners, and binational stakeholders from the El Paso-Juárez region.

The collective goal of the meeting was to issue an urgent appeal to the federal government to pause or completely stop its current Record of Decision, which effectively eliminates all commercial traffic from the toll-free border crossing.

Under the current $500 million modernization framework managed by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), the bridge would see extensive structural updates but permanently ban commercial cargo operations. Local commerce advocates warn that the removal of these six crucial commercial lanes will deal a catastrophic blow to the regional economy, stripping away an estimated 40% of El Paso’s regional competitiveness.

The El Paso Chamber said it’s conducting an independent study that will show the economic impact in ten years. El Paso Chamber told ABC-7 that the GSA did not have any impact analysis.

El Paso Chamber President and CEO Ricardo Mora, spoke about protecting the business ecosystem. Mora cautioned that federal decision-makers failed to properly account for the localized economic impacts when finalizing the project’s parameters.

Mora said, “We’re at 67% per capita income. If we don’t get this right, we’ll be 40% less productive, and El Paso will be driving in a negative way for the next 10 years.”

Chamber leaders argue the fallout will extend far beyond logistics firms, directly impacting everyday consumers. If commercial traffic is completely halted at BOTA, supply chains will be forced to relocate to alternative ports of entry. Longer transportation routes mean more travel hours, increased gas and diesel consumption, and inevitably, higher prices for goods delivered straight to consumers’ doors.

Mora also explained how crucial the commercial lanes are for business.

“Just last year alone, it was close to $900 billion worth of trade between the US and Mexico. Texas represents 68% of the entire trade of the 2000 mile border. El Paso out of the Texas portion represents 20%. So as we speak to our elected on the local, state, and federal level, we share with them that this will make our country less competitive in all levels because we’re not able to bring product into, into our country fast enough,” he said.

The future of the Bridge of the Americas highlights the challenges of balancing the speed of international trade with the well-being the local community.

Thursday, U.S. Representative Veronica Escobar said the U.S. General Services Administration will announce the three possible contractors competing for the primary project contract on “Industry Day,” which is set for July 27.

The congresswoman said small businesses, subcontractors, suppliers and construction professionals can meet the three shortlisted teams competing for the primary project contract.

Industry Day will take place at the El Paso Community College Administrative Services Opportunity Center from 1-4 p.m.

Click here to follow the original article.

Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — El Paso Police’s Crimes Against Persons Unit is investigating a death in Northeast El Paso, police said Friday. The El Paso Fire Department said a water rescue happened in the area.

It happened near the intersection of Girl Scout Way and Woodrow Bean Transmountain Drive. Police said they responded to a welfare check at 3:56 p.m.

ABC-7 is at the scene to learn more.

Click here to follow the original article.

Gabrielle Lopez

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) — Former Las Cruces mayor, Ken Gallegos Miyagishima, ended his bid for New Mexico governor Friday, he confirmed with ABC-7.

“I just want to take a moment to express how grateful I am for all of your support during this journey,” Miyagishima said in a Facebook post. I realized that the best way to make a difference in New Mexico is by teaming up with my good friend, and former Mayor Gregg Hull.”

In February, Miyagishima announced he would run as an independent candidate for governor. He previously ran as the Democratic candidate.

Miyagishima failed to qualify for the ballot, and previously discussed appealing to the state supreme court to try a secure a spot in the race.

In the November election, GOP candidate Greg Hull will face Democratic candidate Deb Haaland.

Click here to follow the original article.

Heriberto Perez Lara

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — An El Paso family fulfilled their dream of attending their first World Cup after a father and son went to a match together.

Antonio and Naim Diaz live here in the borderland and thanks to the Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages FIFA World Cup 26™ flag bearer sweepstakes, they were able to attend the match between Jordan and Argentina in Dallas, Texas, on June 27, 2026.

Naim was selected to serve as a flag bearer and told ABC-7 it was a dream come true, as he has long been a huge fan of Lionel Messi; seeing him take the field and play later that night became the perfect memory for the García family.

Click here to follow the original article.

Rosemary Garcia

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Young musicians with the Boys and Girls Clubs of El Paso will be able to show off their musical skills Friday night during a showcase.

For two weeks, teenagers who participated in this year’s Sun City Music Camp developed their skills and received hands-on training in vocals, guitar, bass and drums.

“You have no idea the impact that you will give a kid just by them learning music or them being stimulated by music. And it starts young. It starts here. These are the future stars. These are the future Khalids, you know? And that’s what my role is. I want to make the future. So I want to make the future superstars. We got to start from somewhere, and this is a fun environment to do it,” said Linda Wolfe, the executive director of The Great Khalid Foundation. She helped mentor participants.

Students also received instruction from the Pie Sisters. The camp is a collaboration between the Boys & Girls Clubs of El Paso, EP Launch and The Great Khalid Foundation.

The summer camp allows local teens to have access to instructors and musical equipment to freely express themselves through music.

“Regardless of your circumstance, if you had a desire to learn to play an instrument, if you wanted to become a better musician, if you wanted to sing, this was a great opportunity,” said Anthony Tomasheski, CEO of the local club.

In front of an audience of family members and other supporters, participants will be able to demonstrate what they’ve learned and how they’ve advanced their musical talents this summer.

“Sometimes all you’ve got to do is put the instrument in their hands, you know, and, you know, this program came with competent instructors that were able to get them to where they are,” Wolfe said.

The final showcase will be held in The Great Khalid Foundation Music Room at the Boys & Girls Clubs of El Paso’s Club Petty, 801 S. Florence St. at 6 p.m.

For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of El Paso, click here.

Click here to follow the original article.