Family-Owned Farm Since 1920 Seized By Feds

EL PASO, Texas -- El Paso County turns over land to the federal government to build the Tornillo-Guadalupe Port of Entry, despite a last stand by a farming family whose land was taken from them through eminent domain.

The new port of entry will be on 137 acres that used to be owned by the Lettunich family, land they owned since the 1920s.

But three weeks ago, through eminent domain, the county got the land, and in return, the county was ordered to pay the family $1.4 million.

On Monday, the 137 acres was turned over from the county to the U.S. General Services Administration in a signing ceremony where a number of people received plaques congratulating those who worked hard to make the port of entry become a reality.

While everyone clapped and cheered with smiles on their faces, the Lettunich family stood quietly, waiting so that they could confront some elected leaders, including Congressman Ciro Rodriguez.

"We sit here today [Monday] and I have to listen to people being thanked and patted on the back for the theft of my family farm," said Steven Lettunich to Rodriguez after the ceremony.

Both Lettunich and Commissioner Willie Gandara spoke to KFOX after the ceremony about the land issue.

"What we would ultimately like to see is a reduction in the absurd size of this thing. One hundred thirty seven acres for a port of entry," said Lettunich.

"Everything up to this point was done legally without any issue, the property has been bought by the county. We turned over the deed today to GSA, so we are the owners of that property," said Gandara.