U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez Condemns Reports that Border Patrol Harassed Las Cruces Students, Demands Answers

Las Cruces, NM – Today, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) expressed serious concerns following reports that U.S. Border Patrol agents harassed a group of Las Cruces High School students while they were traveling to a swim meet in Albuquerque.

On Friday, the office of U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez was notified that students and coaches were aboard a charter bus when they were stopped at a Border Patrol checkpoint. The situation escalated after agents questioned the driver, who was unable to respond in English. Rather than de-escalating, an agent proceeded to board the bus, ignored attempts by coaches to explain the situation, and demanded information from the students, leaving them rattled and shaken.

“Harassing and frightening children does not make New Mexico safer,” said Vasquez. “No student should have to fear law enforcement while traveling to a school event.”

Reports of harassment by federal agents extend beyond this incident. Recently, Tribal members and American citizens have been targeted simply because they speak Spanish or their appearance. Additionally, recent policy rollbacks have removed protections against enforcement actions in sensitive locations, including schools, churches, childcare centers, and hospitals—further jeopardizing public safety, particularly in our schools.

Vasquez is demanding answers from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and calling for transparency regarding enforcement actions involving children, particularly on school buses and in other sensitive locations.

“Incidents like this, along with reports of harassment of Tribal members and other American citizens simply because they speak Spanish or have brown skin, are unacceptable,” added Vasquez.

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