New Mexico closes section of border wall to Customs and Border Protection
New Mexico Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn says a one mile section of border wall just east of the Santa Teresa port of entry has been constructed on a state land trust without permission. Dunn says he will block border patrol where they trespass.
The section of land was given to New Mexico when it was a territory back in 1898 in accordance with the Ferguson act. The act states the land trust is to be used solely for public schools.
A proclamation made by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1907 reserved a 60 foot wide strip of land along the U.S. side of the border for the federal government. The move was to prevent illegal smuggling of goods into the United States. Since New Mexico acquired the land before the proclamation, permission and payment for the occupation or use of the land by the federal government is required.
Commissioner Dunn launched an investigation last month that revealed the federal government did not acquire the necessary right-of-way, priced at $19,200, before building a border wall and a road along the trust lands in Santa Teresa.
Another section further to the west was found to be in violation of the trust as the United States built a structure, electric lights, and a road outside the proclamation area on State Trust Lands. That would cost the federal government an additional $9,600.
Dunn said, “Border security is important, but so are our kids and they have a right to collect the money earned from the lands they own. Mr. Trump, tear down this wall or pay New Mexico school kids what they’re owed.”
U.S. Customs and border protection released a statement saying, “U.S. Customs and Border Protection is diligently evaluating the concerns outlined by the New Mexico Land Commissioner’s Office and will contact them directly to address their concerns. CBP values its relationship with the New Mexico state trust lands. An important part of CBP’s strategy to successfully secure the nation’s borders includes developing and leveraging partnerships and dialogue with state and local stakeholders to ensure that the unique operational needs of each region are effectively met.”
