Las Cruces students stopped by CBP while traveling to state competition

Update (February 24, 2025): Las Cruces Public Schools officials released the following statement regarding the incident:

"Las Cruces Public Schools (LCPS) administration is learning more about an incident involving a group of students traveling to a state competition on Feb. 21. The students, who were on a chartered bus not visibly marked as belonging to LCPS, complied with instructions from U.S. Border Patrol agents and were quickly allowed to continue their trip. The students were members of a swim team from Centennial High School, Las Cruces High School and Mayfield High School.  

Monday morning, LCPS administration, including Superintendent Ignacio Ruiz, engaged in open and productive communication with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The conversation included implementation of proactive measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The district remains committed to the safety, security, and emotional well-being of all students, regardless of immigration status. 

'I understand the fear and uncertainty our students and staff must have felt in that situation,” acknowledged Superintendent Ruiz. “We believe this was an isolated event, and we will continue to work with local and federal authorities to ensure students’ educational experiences are not disrupted. Our community is diverse, and every student, regardless of background, deserves to feel safe and supported while participating in school activities.'

LCPS upholds the principles established by the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Plyler v. Doe (1982), affirming that all students have the right to a free public education. As an extension of that commitment, the district will maintain transparent communication with relevant agencies to protect the rights and safety of its students. 

'I appreciate the support of our LCPS Board of Education,” added Ruiz, “and their work to advocate for and support policies that protect all students. Together, we will continue to foster a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment for all.'”

Congressman Gabe Vasquez also released the following letter, which he says he sent to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

"Secretary Noem:

I write to raise serious concerns about reports federal agents harassed students in my community. Harassing and frightening children does not make New Mexico safer or help law enforcement get criminals off our streets.

On Friday, February 21, I was notified that a bus full of Las Cruces area high school students were harassed by federal agents. The students were on board a charter bus on their way to a swim meet in Albuquerque. According to reports, while at a Border Patrol checkpoint, agents escalated the encounter because the driver was not able to answer their questions in English. The agents proceeded to board the bus full of students, ignore the coaches' attempts to deescalate the situation, and demand information from the students. This encounter left the student rattled and shaken.

Incidents like this, along with reports of harassment of Tribal members1 and other American citizens based on profiling, are unacceptable. Additionally, the Administration recently revoked protections against enforcement raids in sensitive locations, including schools, churches, childcare centers, and hospitals. Rather than increasing public safety, unchecked and overaggressive actions erode public trust, spread fear among our communities, and put American citizens in the crosshairs of unconstitutional and ineffective enforcement efforts.

I demand that you provide my office with a full accounting and explanation of this incident, a written policy for how agents are to address minors, and any steps your agency will take to prevent such events from occurring in the future. Our children should not live in fear while on their way to a swim meet, football game, or in the classroom.

I look forward to your prompt reply.

Sincerely,
Gabe Vasquez
Member of Congress"

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA)-- A spokesperson for Las Cruces Public Schools tells ABC-7 the group of students were traveling to a state competition in a chartered bus that was not visibly marked identifying it as a Las Cruces Public School bus.

Congressman Gabe Vasquez said his office was notified that the incident happened at the border checkpoint and escalated after agents questioned the driver, and he was unable to respond in English. Vasquez said he was told 'rather than de-escalating, an agent proceeded to board the bus, ignored attempts by coaches to explain the situation, and demanded information from the students, leaving them rattled and shaken'.

“As educators, the chilling effects of actions such as these are detrimental to the well-being of our student population, their families, and our larger community," said American Federation of Teachers New Mexico. "Under no circumstance should students be harassed, intimidated, or frightened by federal agents either while in school or while participating in school activities."

A CBP spokesperson said because the bus had no school decals it was treated as a standard charter vehicle.

"The agents’ primary objective was to verify the legal status of the passengers. After completing the verification process, all individuals were confirmed to be legally present in the country and disembarked without incident," said the spokesperson in a statement.

The statement further explained the role border patrol agents play at checkpoint inspections by 'playing a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the nation's borders'.

"They are instrumental in deterring illegal immigration and ensuring that those traveling within the country comply with immigration laws. By conducting these inspections, border patrol agents help safeguard the security and well-being of communities throughout the United States," the CBP spokesperson said.

Rep. Gabe Vasquez took to "X" and released a statement detailing his concern of the incident.

"I am tracking reports that federal agents stopped and harassed a bus full of Las Cruces high school swimmers on the way to a meet over suspected immigration status. Our kids shouldn’t fear law enforcement on the way to a game. I’m demanding answers from DHS to ensure New Mexicans don’t face racial profiling."

Vasquez will hold a news conference on Monday to further discuss the impact situations like this have on the community.