U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce

ALBUQUERQUE – In order to protect the people of New Mexico, U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce introduced H.R 2467 to increase border security along the southern border.

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce issued this statement last week announcing the introduction of H.R. 2467, legislation that will help protect New Mexico’s local communities, secure its southern border and strengthen national security.

“It has been one year since the President misused the Antiquities Act to unilaterally seize 500,000 acres in southern New Mexico. Not only did this monument designation disregard the concerns of the people in southern New Mexico, it also has prevented proper border security measures from being carried out. We have seen this issue play out in Arizona at the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, which has become a human and drug smuggling corridor.

“We cannot afford for this to happen in New Mexico and we must not restrict the access of border patrol agents who work to ensure our safety. This bill does not change the size of, or, the monument. It simply ensures that the United States Border Patrol has unfettered access to the monument to serve the people of southern New Mexico and safeguard our nation. I call on my colleagues in the House to move this important legislation as soon as possible.”

The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument Corrections Act (H.R. 2467) guarantees that federal, state and local law enforcement including the U.S. Border Patrol, have unfettered access to the national monument — an area that covers 500,000 acres.

H.R. 2467 has strong support from the local community and law enforcement, as evidenced by endorsements from the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce, the Las Cruces Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Luna County, and the National Border Patrol Council.