Vasquez unveils package of border security and immigration reform bills

Oct. 30—Democratic U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez unveiled a package of bills Monday he said are designed to address various facets of border security and immigration reform, from additional funding for U.S. Customs and Border Protection to stricter penalties for human smugglers who target minors.

"These bills have been informed by the people of New Mexico for the people of New Mexico," Vasquez, a first-generation Mexican-American, said during a news conference outside the Santa Teresa Port of Entry.

Vasquez's push to pass what he called "commonsense, bipartisan bills" comes as he fights to hold onto his seat in the highly competitive 2nd Congressional District, which Republicans hope to flip back to red next year.

Asked what chances a first-term Democrat whom the GOP wants to oust has of getting legislation passed in the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives, New Mexico's freshman congressman remained optimistic.

"If Republicans are serious about dealing with the challenges at our border, then they will put party politics aside to support commonsense legislation," he said in a statement to The New Mexican while flying back to Washington, D.C.

"As always, I have been committed to working across the aisle on responsible legislation to deliver for New Mexicans," he said.

Vasquez's proposals include:

—The Smart Border Protection Act, which would authorize $570 million to hire additional personnel, purchase non-intrusive cargo inspection technology to detect illicit materials like fentanyl, and improve infrastructure at ports of entry.

"We've seen that more than 90% of the illicit drugs that come into this country, particularly fentanyl, are being caught at our ports of entry," he said. "This technology is a game changer."

—The Stop Coyotes' Oppression and Organized Trafficking, and Ensuring Safety Act, which would target traffickers and cartel members who harm children.

"This bill will mandate up to a 10-year sentence on individuals, in addition to any other sentence imposed, who are convicted of committing human trafficking-related crimes against a minor within a certain radius of areas with high concentrations of children, such as schools, public parks, arcades and community centers," according to Vasquez's office.

—The Strengthening Our Workforce Act, which would, among other things, create a pathway to lawful permanent residency for immigrants who work in a critical industry like health care or education.

—The Humane Accountability Act, which calls for a report on the condition of immigrants in detention centers, including all instances of assault or abuse. Vasquez's office said the bill would "hold immigrant detention centers accountable to protect detainees from poor living conditions."

During his news conference, Vasquez said he wanted to advance a conversation on immigration.

"Mexico is the United States' largest trading partner," he said. "It is a source of jobs, and for many of us it is also our home country," Vasquez added.

"That relationship is vitally important for us and ... we have to make sure that we take diplomatic approaches with our largest partner to the south to make sure we have good outcomes economically but also to help solve and to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis that we're seeing at our border."

Follow Daniel J. Chacón on Twitter @danieljchacon.