Rep. Vasquez talks about border issues with law enforcement and community organizations

October 13, 2023

KOAT - Rep. Vasquez talks about border issues with law enforcement and community organizations - 10/13/23

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. —

Immigration is a key topic for those who live by the border, especially for border towns like Sunland Park.

“Twenty-one deceased migrants that we cover in our jurisdiction. We are continuing to see that but with injuries and people lost in the desert,” Eric Lopez, the Sunland Park Police Department chief, said.

“We've had a record number of deceased migrants in our sector, and the thing I want to stress the most is these criminal organizations continue to recklessly endanger the lives of the migrants in their smuggling schemes,” Landon Hutchens, Customs and Border Protection with the Office of Public Affairs said.

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Doña Ana County deputies are dealing with the same issue.

“It has been a challenge with migrant unattended deaths. Our numbers are at 64 to date. That's a 300% increase for us since last year,” Maj. Jon Day with Dona Ana Sheriff's Office said.

Congressman Gabe Vasquez listened and asked about the challenges that are brought up with these homicide investigations in the Bureau of Land Management.