LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) — A new Border Patrol station could be built in Las Cruces.
According to a letter that U.S. Customs and Border Protection sent to the Las Cruces City Manager, Ikani Taumoepeau, CBP is looking at three areas in the city to build a new Border Patrol facility to house new agents and personnel, as border security will be increased in the El Paso and Las Cruces sectors.
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The three areas are marked with a tiny yellow circle on this map.
The three areas where the Border Patrol might be built are marked with a tiny yellow circle on this map of Las Cruces. Credit: CBP
In the letter, which is dated March 4, CBP stated that it is gathering input from state and local government agencies, departments, and bureaus that could be affected or interested in the new facility.
City Councilor Michael Harris from District 3 said he proposed that the site near the Highland Elementary School be removed from their plan, citing environmental concerns regarding the number of vehicles Border Patrol uses, and saying that a remote location away from homes, schools and churches is better in case the facility needs to expand.
Below is the letter:
The City of Las Cruces issued the following statement:
The City is not aware of any new CBP facility currently being constructed. The City has received the attached correspondence from CBP requesting comment from local governments, including the City, whether there would be an environmental impact to a new CBP facility, should CBP decide to seek one in any of three locations identified in the letter. The City plans to respond to the request for environmental information as appropriate.
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