Rep. Gabe Vasquez Champions Food Security, LGBTQ+ Rights, and Education Pathways in Las Cruces
LAS CRUCES, N.M. – On June 16, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) engaged with communities across Las Cruces and the surrounding areas to address urgent issues facing rural New Mexico, including food insecurity amid SNAP cuts, challenges impacting LGBTQ+ residents, and expanding college access for first-generation students.
“Families in Hatch shouldn’t have to wonder where their next meal is coming from. LGBTQ+ communities deserve to live with dignity and without fear, and every student — no matter their zip code — should have a real pathway to higher education,” said Vasquez. “At a time when federal investments in New Mexico are on the chopping block, I’m not sitting on the sidelines. I’m showing up, listening closely, and fighting for the resources, respect, and opportunities our communities deserve.”
Rep. Vasquez began the day by visiting Slim’s Food Pantry, which received FY2024 Community Project Funding to build a permanent facility in rural Doña Ana County. As proposed SNAP cuts threaten to worsen the food insecurity crisis across southern New Mexico, Vasquez underscored the urgency of protecting food access for working families and reaffirmed his commitment to defending federal nutrition programs and delivering resources that directly support local communities.
Vasquez also visited the 2025 Summer Aggie Academy, part of New Mexico State University’s TRiO Upward Bound Program, which supports nearly 100 first-generation and low-income students from school districts like Alamogordo, Gadsden, Las Cruces, and Hatch Valley. Speaking directly with students, Vasquez shared his journey as a first-generation Mexican-American college student and emphasized the importance of education, showing young New Mexicans that their dreams are important and within reach. Vasquez has championed the TRIO program through the Appropriations process for the last two years. With the administration threatening to end funding for TRIO, Vasquez reiterated that he will continue to champion this critical program.
Lastly, Vasquez convened an LGBTQ+ advocacy roundtable to hear firsthand from local leaders and activists about increasing threats and attacks targeting the LGBTQ+ community, including rolling back civil rights protections as well as cuts to gender affirming care, HIV programs, and reproductive health services. In a powerful dialogue, advocates shared stories of resilience and called for stronger protections. Vasquez reiterated his solidarity and pledged to continue pushing back against discrimination and standing up for the dignity and safety of all New Mexicans.
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