SANTA TERESA, N.M. (AP) — Two U.S.-Mexico border communities in New Mexico are locked in a legal fight that may result in the creation of a city.
KVIA-TV in El Paso, Texas, reports a New Mexico appellate judge ruled this week that residents in the wealthy, unincorporated area of Santa Teresa, New Mexico, can continue efforts to create a municipality.
The ruling comes as Santa Teresa residents are trying to fight a plan by the nearby poorer city of Sunland Park, New Mexico, to annex their community.
Sunland Park Mayor Javier Perea says he believes the dispute stems from a social class issue between the two communities.
Dona Ana County Manager Fernando Macias says Santa Teresa residents must now have a hearing with county commissioners on plans for a city.
Information from: KVIA-TV.