Representative Gabe Vasquez Backs Bipartisan Legislation to Crack Down on Dangerous Car Chases at the Border

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) today voted for the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act, introduced by Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06), a bipartisan effort to hold drug smugglers and cartel associates accountable for high-speed car chases along the border that endanger both law enforcement and local residents.

Rep. Vasquez, who has been a leading advocate for practical, bipartisan solutions to address the challenges at our southern border, emphasized the importance of ensuring border security while protecting the safety of officers and residents.

“New Mexicans know that our border communities deserve safety, security, and smart policies that tackle the real challenges we face,” said Vasquez. “High-speed chases driven by cartel activity and drug smuggling are putting law enforcement officers and local families at risk. This legislation ensures that those who endanger our communities face real consequences.”

The Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act would impose federal penalties on smugglers, cartel members, and other bad actors who attempt to flee from Border Patrol and local law enforcement in high-speed pursuits. This legislation is supported by the National Border Patrol Council, the National Sheriffs’ Association, and the Western Sheriffs’ Association.

New Mexico’s border communities have seen a sharp rise in drug trafficking, human smuggling, and reckless high-speed chases, putting lives at risk. With this bill, law enforcement will finally have the tools to deter these dangerous pursuits and ensure justice is served.

Rep. Vasquez heard about the risk of these high-speed chases directly from law enforcement and other local leaders in NM-02, including law enforcement officials in Sunland Park. That is why he also previously introduced his No More Narcos Act, which addresses the alarming practice of middle and high school students being recruited to act as human and drug smugglers for cartels and coyotes.

Rep. Vasquez is a leader in strengthening border security and fixing our broken immigration system—from securing funding for Border Patrol agents and advanced technology to pushing for comprehensive immigration reform that prioritizes border enforcement while creating a fair and humane pathway for legal immigration. He continues to work to increase resources for local law enforcement, expand ports of entry to ease congestion, and crack down on fentanyl trafficking that threatens our communities. With the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act, he is doubling his commitment to ensuring safety, accountability, and stability for New Mexico’s border communities.

###