SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) — U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez was in Sunland Park getting an up-close look at border policing and meeting with rural law enforcement leaders as he pushes for more resources and stronger partnerships to address public safety challenges across southern New Mexico.

Vasquez, a Democrat who represents New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District, joined Sunland Park Police Chief Kiri Daines for a morning border ride-along.

The ride-along focused on the realities of policing a border community, where local officers coordinate daily with federal, state and neighboring agencies to respond to public safety incidents, cartel activity, emergency calls and cross-border challenges.

After the ride-along, Vasquez convened a regional meeting with law enforcement leaders to discuss needs in small and rural departments, including recruitment and retention challenges, equipment needs, information sharing, and strategies to combat fentanyl trafficking and transnational criminal organizations.

Local law enforcement in border counties face unique public safety challenges that require our attention and investment,” Vasquez said. “I’ve been working with Sheriffs and local police along the U.S.-Mexico border for years, and I know firsthand the resources they need to combat cartels, drug trafficking, and human smuggling, all while working with staff shortages and limited resources. That’s why I’m working across the aisle with Democrats and Republicans to make sure all New Mexico law enforcement — including those in rural and small communities — have the funding, tools, and support they need to keep both themselves and members of our communities safe.

The meeting included Daines, Doña Ana County Sheriff Kim Stewart, Hidalgo County Sheriff William Chadborn, Luna County Sheriff-Elect Glenn Chadborn, Deming Police Chief Sergio Lara and other regional law enforcement leaders.

RECOMMENDED: Doña Ana County targets illegal shooting near Santa Teresa jetport after damage reports

Vasquez highlighted several public safety and law enforcement proposals he has supported, including the bipartisan No More Narcos Act and Stop COYOTES Act, which are endorsed by the Sunland Park Police Department and aim to crack down on cartels, protect children from criminal recruitment, increase penalties for human traffickers and fentanyl smugglers, and improve coordination among federal, state, local and Tribal law enforcement. He also pointed to the bipartisan Secure Our Skies Drone Safety Act, endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, which is intended to help law enforcement respond to criminal drone activity used by cartels.

He also cited the Invest to Protect Act, which expands federal funding for recruitment, retention and training at small law enforcement agencies with under 175 officers, including the Deming Police Department, Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office and Luna County Sheriff’s Office. Another measure, the Protecting First Responders from Secondary Exposure Act, would provide protective equipment for officers responding to fentanyl-related incidents.

Vasquez also noted bipartisan efforts to strengthen High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area programs and improve information sharing among agencies combating drug trafficking. He has condemned the Administration’s push to cut HIDTA funding by 35 percent.

In addition, Vasquez said he has backed Community Project Funding requests aimed at helping local departments modernize facilities, purchase patrol vehicles and public safety technology, and improve emergency response capabilities across southern New Mexico. In FY26 alone, he secured over $1.8 million for public safety priorities from Albuquerque to Carlsbad.

Sign up to receive the top interesting stories from in and around our community once daily in your inbox.