Vasquez Raises Concerns Over Lack of Information for Hunters and Outdoorsmen's Access to the Militarized Portion of the Border

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, during a House Armed Services Committee hearing, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) raised serious concerns about the growing militarization of the borderlands in New Mexico.

In late April, the Administration transferred control of approximately 400 square miles along the U.S.-Mexico border to the United States Army, designating the area as a national defense zone. Since the designation, hunters, residents, and local governments have expressed confusion over access to public lands, raising concerns about public land use, enforcement boundaries, and the need for transparent communication from federal agencies.

Vasquez, who represents the entirety of New Mexico’s border with Mexico, emphasized that recent troop deployments have created militarized zones and restricted public access to federal lands traditionally used for recreation, hunting, and community activities.

WATCH: VASQUEZ SEEKS CLARITY ON MILITARY PRESENCE ALONG NEW MEXICO BORDER

“I represent 180 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border, and the recent troop deployment to the border has created a military zone that has taken over the management of federal public lands,” said Vasquez. “I have a deer hunt this year in an area where I'm no longer able to hunt or enter. It's become unclear where the boundaries of this military zone actually start and where they end.”

Vasquez called on Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll and Army Chief of Staff General Randy George to provide transparency and guidance to local governments and residents affected.

“It’s unclear not just to hunters or people who enjoy the land, but also to local governments—county commissioners of those counties,” Vasquez said. “How fast can we get the information on where these military border zones actually exist? And when can Americans expect answers about whether they will be apprehended or arrested within these border zones?”

As an advocate for border policies that respect the rights of local residents and maintain access to public lands, Vasquez reaffirmed his commitment to working with federal and local officials to ensure transparency, protect public access, and uphold the rights of border communities.

###