New Mexico Rep. Claims Local Immigrant Detention Facility is 'Bursting at the Seams' And Most Detainees Didn't Commit a Crime

U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-NM) said that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Otero County, New Mexico is "bursting at the seams" and that conditions are below-par.

During the oversight visit Vasquez said he also noted that the vast majority of detainees had no criminal charges. "What we saw at this facility today is that more than 80 percent of the detainees here have no criminal convictions, no pending criminal charges," Vasquez said after the visit, according to Border Report. "We also saw non-working phones, non-working toilets."

Vasquez continued:

"This facility is essentially bursting at the seams. They are at full capacity now, they were over capacity just a few weeks ago and they're going to continue to receive more detainees from the rest of the country. When it comes to questions like where those detainees are coming from, we didn't get clear answers. They say it's overflow from other detention centers."

The congressman doubled down on his sentiment in a statement on his official website, saying that he was denied the opportunity to speak with detained individuals despite submitting privacy forms in advance, with facility staff citing "changing policies" as the reason.

Earlier this year, Vasquez introduced the "Humane Accountability Act 2.0," legislation aimed at increasing federal oversight of ICE detention centers. The bill would require the Department of Homeland Security to report all detentions, removals, and transfers—including to sites like Guantanamo Bay or overseas locations—with legal justifications and details on costs and care standards.

The proposed law would also mandate regular reporting on detention center conditions, including any incidents of abuse, hospitalization, or death, and require disclosure of complaints related to legal access or retaliation.

"ICE is not making our communities safer," Vasquez added on his statement, claiming that the agency's "complete disregard for the need for transparent legal processes and accountability around the spending of taxpayer money is unacceptable."

ICE Officials Dispuest Vasquez' Claims

An ICE official contacted by The Latin Times disputed Vasquez's account, saying that the facility's population was below maximum capacity on the day of the visit and that "over 40% of the detainees at OCPC have criminal convictions or pending charges."

According to the official, the congressman was offered the opportunity to speak with detainees the following day after submitting the required privacy waivers but declined. ICE acknowledged that a few dormitory phones were not working but said technicians were onsite and that detainees had access to working tablets with the same calling rates. All toilets were reportedly functional at the time of inspection.

"ICE welcomes these types of visits, as they provide an important opportunity to offer an accurate and transparent view of our facility," the ICE official said. "However, some lawmakers prefer to run to the media with false or exaggerated claims rather than address their concerns directly with us."