EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Las Cruces Public Schools (LCPS) Superintendent Ignacio Ruiz along with the district’s administration met with U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Monday, Feb. 24, after agents boarded a bus of Las Cruces High School students on Friday, Feb. 21 when they were on their way to a swim meet in Albuquerque.
The district says they spoke with CBP about the “implementation of proactive measures to prevent similar incidents in the future” and “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.”
The district says it upholds the principles established by the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Plyler v. Doe (1982) stating that all students have a right to free public education.
As we have previously reported, U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez, D-New Mexico, says the students were “harassed” after the charter bus was stopped at a Border Patrol checkpoint that Friday.
“The situation escalated after agents questioned the driver, who was unable to respond in English. 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,” Vasquez’s office said.
Read: Read More