A group of student-athletes from Las Cruces faced an unexpected delay en route to a state competition when their bus was stopped at a border patrol checkpoint, prompting criticism from Congressman Gabe Vasquez, who described the incident as harassment. The students, swimmers from Centennial, Las Cruces, and Mayfield High Schools, were traveling to Albuquerque when border patrol agents halted their bus.
Agents explained the bus lacked school markings and was treated as a standard charter vehicle. District officials noted everyone complied with instructions, and the team was soon allowed to continue their trek. Ignacio Ruiz, superintendent of Las Cruces Public Schools, remarked, "It was a very positive conversation, and we agreed upon some proactive measures... to help us to avoid unnecessary delays at checkpoints." Vasquez expressed concern over the incident, remarking, "We are a proud community here, and we have to make sure this doesn't happen again... simply because the bus driver did not speak English."
Whitney Holland, the president of the American Federation of Teachers New Mexico, echoed his distress, noting, "Students shouldn't be treated like this. They were doing exactly what we've asked of them, which is participate in extracurricular activities.” Vasquez has since sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security demanding answers.
Describing the interaction, coach Pamela Quiñones revealed agents boarded the unmarked bus around 7 am. The driver, who didn't speak English, was questioned first, leading to the agent boarding the bus without consulting coaches. "He just started walking in the bus and started yelling... demanding documentation from all the passengers," Quiñones told independent journalist Heath Haussaman.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection defended their actions as routine, stating, "Inspections of charter buses are part of maintaining the integrity of our nation’s borders." Chief Michael Banks emphasized their intention, stating, "Let me be very clear, U.S. Border Patrol agents do not target schools, school buses, or churches." Yet, Vasquez highlighted the distress caused by the interaction, insisting, "Harassing and frightening children does not make New Mexico safer."
Las Cruces Public Schools confirmed the students on the bus were from Centennial, Mayfield and Las Cruces high schools. Ruiz stated, "It’s still an extension of the classroom, it’s part of the learning for our kids," reiteration of the importance of extracurricular activities.
Following the incident, Ruiz indicated hopes for collaboration with federal authorities aimed at preventing similar situations, enhancing safety for students traveling to competitions. He emphasized the need to distinguish student transportation clearly with proper signage to avoid future misunderstandings.
Vasquez remained firm on the necessity for clarity and safety for children. He demanded the DHS provide clearer guidelines to prevent future occurrences, expressing worries it could lead to racial profiling in predominantly Hispanic communities. He connected this scenario with past reported incidents where immigration authorities questioned individuals without cause.
Education leaders joined him, advocating for schools to remain safe spaces free of fear, emphasizing children must not be used as pawns amid political tensions. "Kids need to be held harmless..." echoed National Education Association President Mary Parr-Sánchez.
Yet, the Republican Party of New Mexico criticized Vasquez's comments, labeling them as reckless rhetoric. Ruled over matters of safety and enforcement, they argued community trust is needed around law enforcement efforts.
Overall, the incident has spotlighted concerns surrounding immigration enforcement methods impacting day-to-day activities of student groups. With calls for detailed policy adjustments, local leaders expressed commitment to fostering environments of support and safety.