Border Patrol Answers Concerns About Intruders At Mount Cristo Rey Area

Mount Cristo Rey in Sunland Park, N.M., is one of the Borderland’s natural treasures and a favorite hiking spot for many.

But some hikers say the American land leading up to the mountain could be better guarded by authorities against potential illegal intruders.

“I think (Border Patrol) should be able to do more for safety’s sake,” Lorenzo Manriques said.

Manriques said he is appreciative of the safety measures already in place near the mountain and said he constantly notices Border Patrol agents in the area. It was a recent visit to Mount Cristo Rey, though, that prompted his desire for stepped up safeguards.

Manriques said he saw a number of blankets, backpacks and other supplies at the top of the mountain on the morning of Jan. 1, during one of his usual weekend hikes. He said he suspected the gear may have belonged to Mexican nationals who could have illegally crossed into the U.S. from Anapra, Mexico.

“There’s no fence so anybody can just cross up there,” said Manrqiues.

Avid hiker and ABC-7 General Manager Kevin Lovell also suspects there was an illegal intrusion. He also climbed up to the top of Cristo Rey that morning, shortly after Manriques did and said he saw the group of people for himself.

Both hikers reported the incident to a Border Patrol agent at the base of the mountain.

“No one was encountered up there at all,” said Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Demetrio Guerra. Guerra said that as soon as the agent was alerted to the possible presence of a suspicious group, they enacted an air and foot search of the area.

“They did not find any individuals up there and during their investigation they did not find anything to lead us to believe there was anybody up there,” said Guerra.

Guerra also said the area near Mount Cristo Rey is well guarded despite the absence of a fence.

“Border Patrol agents are in the area at all times,” he said. “You have to remember that the mountain range is a physical barrier in itself and it’s pretty treacherous terrain. So, if we have the ability to see a suspect coming across illegally, we’re going to make an apprehension at that area, guaranteed.”

When asked whether the Border Patrol would consider putting a permanent lookout in the land leading up the mountain, Guerra said, “We need to have our resources and our personnel in the right place at the right time so to say to have one person posted at one particular location, it’s gonna be up to operational needs of the service.”

However, Guerra added that personnel is just one of the resources keeping watch over the mountain. The Border Patrol also uses technology and special equipment.

Guerra said hikers should not feel alarmed or unsafe hiking up Mount Cristo Rey. He said reports of any incidents in the area have been few and far between in the last couple of years, but encourages anyone who has lingering concerns or questions to call 575-874-6811.