LCPS, Border Patrol discuss bus inspection involving students
Rep. Vasquez calls for answers from DHS on checkpoint incident
Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News
LAS CRUCES - Las Cruces Public Schools officials met with U.S. Border Patrol agents Monday to discuss a recent traffic stop involving students traveling to a state competition.
The incident occurred Feb. 21 when a chartered bus carrying student-athletes was stopped at a Border Patrol checkpoint. The students, members of the Centennial, Las Cruces and Mayfield high school swim teams, complied with agents’ instructions and were allowed to continue their trip. The bus was not visibly marked as belonging to LCPS.
Superintendent Ignacio Ruiz said the district is working with federal authorities to ensure students' travel for school-related activities is not disrupted.
“I understand the fear and uncertainty our students and staff must have felt in that situation,” Ruiz said. “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.”
District officials described the meeting with Customs and Border Protection as productive and said discussions focused on implementing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
LCPS cited the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1982 ruling in Plyler v. Doe, which affirms that all students, regardless of immigration status, have the right to a free public education. Officials said they will continue working with relevant agencies to ensure student safety and rights are protected.
“I appreciate the support of our LCPS Board of Education,” Ruiz said. “Together, we will continue to foster a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment for all.”
Rep. Vasquez calls for answers from DHS
The incident has drawn attention at the federal level. U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) has sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security demanding answers about what happened.
According to Vasquez, a Border Patrol agent boarded the bus after the driver was unable to respond in English. The agent allegedly ignored attempts by coaches to explain the situation and questioned students directly, leaving them shaken.
Vasquez addressed the matter in a press conference alongside education leaders, including Whitney Holland, president of the American Federation of Teachers New Mexico, Mary Parr-Sánchez, president of the National Education Association New Mexico, and Arlean Murillo with the School Board Association of New Mexico.
The full letter to DHS can be read here.
Damien Willis is founder and editor of Organ Mountain News. He can be reached at OrganMountainNews@gmail.com or on X at @damienwillis.