Weather

67°F9:56 AM

Community

1 read

New Legislation Seeks to Safeguard Mount Cristo Rey from Federal Seizure

KVIA•Monday, July 20, 2026 at 5:58 PM•Heriberto Perez Lara

People gathering representing community events and culture

Want the full story?

Read the complete article at KVIA

AI Summary

Congresswoman Veronica Escobar has introduced the Mount Cristo Rey Protection Act to prevent the federal government from using eminent domain to seize land at Mount Cristo Rey, a significant cultural and religious site. This legislation comes in response to the Trump administration's plans to acquire 14 acres for border wall construction. Mount Cristo Rey, owned by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces, attracts over 40,000 visitors annually for religious events. The act aims to officially recognize the site as sacred and prohibits federal funding for any border infrastructure near it. Escobar and local bishops emphasize the importance of preserving this landmark for future generations.

Key Details: • The Mount Cristo Rey Protection Act has been introduced by Rep. Escobar. • The act aims to prohibit federal land seizure and border wall construction near Mount Cristo Rey. • Mount Cristo Rey is a cultural landmark visited by over 40,000 people annually. • The act is currently in the legislative process and seeks to protect the site's integrity.

border community legislation mount cristo rey land-seizure

People & Organizations

Las CrucesPeter BaldacchinoRoman Catholic Diocese of Las CrucesVeronica EscobarMount Cristo ReyMark J. Seitz

Related Articles

El Paso Woman Welcomes Rare Identical Quadruplets After Natural Conception

In a remarkable event, a woman from El Paso has given birth to identical quadruplet girls, a rare occurrence that has captured the community's attention. The quadruplets were conceived naturally from a single fertilized egg that split into four embryos. This extraordinary birth highlights the wonders of natural conception and the unique challenges that come with raising multiple infants at once. The family is expected to receive support from local organizations and the community as they navigate this new chapter in their lives.

El Paso Residents Face Potential Economic Impact from Social Security Cuts

Social Security benefits are crucial for many Americans, particularly in areas where they represent a significant portion of local income. A recent analysis highlights that communities relying heavily on these benefits could face severe economic consequences as the Social Security trust fund approaches insolvency, potentially leading to a 22% cut in benefits by 2032. The findings indicate that while some counties, like Montmorency in Michigan, are particularly vulnerable, others, such as Loving County in Texas, have minimal reliance on Social Security. El Paso residents should be aware of these trends as they could impact local economic stability and personal finances in the coming years.

Soccer Fans in El Paso Celebrate with Beer and Merchandise During Tournament

During the recent soccer tournament, DoorDash reported significant increases in beer and fan merchandise orders, reflecting the enthusiasm of fans across the U.S., including Texas. Michelob Ultra emerged as the most popular beer, leading in 13 states, while fan apparel orders surged by 2,900%, with Argentina jerseys being particularly sought after. Notably, July 4th became the biggest alcohol-ordering day, surpassing even the Super Bowl by 40%. The data highlights how the tournament has transformed casual viewers into dedicated fans, with increased orders for face paint and soccer balls as well.

Many El Pasoans Overestimate Their Employer-Sponsored Life Insurance Coverage

Recent data reveals that while 55% of U.S. employees rely on employer-sponsored life insurance, many may not have adequate coverage. A significant 57% of insured workers believe their plans are sufficient, yet these typically offer basic protection, often just a flat dollar amount or equivalent to one times their annual salary. With rising costs in housing, childcare, and education, families may need 10-15 times their annual income in coverage. As inflation continues to impact everyday expenses, it's crucial for individuals to reassess their life insurance needs beyond workplace offerings, which may not transfer upon job loss and often have limited options.