Rep. Gabe Vasquez Stands Firm in Demand for DHS Reform and Accountability

WASHINGTON, D.C.- On February 3, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02)released this statement following his vote to reject a DHS funding proposal that would give the agency more money without oversight, reforms, or guardrails.

"In just the last two weeks, nearly 2,000 New Mexicans have contacted my office to share their anger and frustration over the violence that is playing out across the nation. They are justifiably terrified that they or their loved ones will be detained, arrested, or jailed for exercising their First Amendment rights or profiled because of the color of their skin. They, and thousands more New Mexicans, are demanding DHS accountability and reform, and so am I."

"I will not vote to give DHS any more funds so long as Congressional Republicans and the Administration continue to violate our Constitution and until they enter into good-faith negotiations for transparency, accountability around use of force, and commitments to comply with the law. As I've said before, the first step is relieving Secretary Noem of her duties. We've all seen the brutality masked agents acting with impunity have brought upon Americans with our own eyes, and it's got to stop."

"Additionally, DHS was granted a $150 billion dollar blank check under Congressional Republicans' 'One Big Beautiful Bill.' That money is better spent helping Americans afford their health care, lowering the cost of groceries, funding critical food assistance programs, and bringing economic relief to working New Mexicans. New Mexicans' tax money must be used to bring safety and security to our communities, not to detain and kill American citizens."

Rep. Vasquez is a leading voice in the fight for reforms and accountability at DHS, including:

• Holding DHS leadership accountable by removing Secretary Noem
• Requiring all DHS agents to remove masks and wear body camerasto ensure transparency, identification, and accountability
• Mandating independent investigationsinto DHS violations of use of force
• Ending reckless mass raidsthat unlawfully detain, endanger, and kill American citizens
• Guaranteeing safe, humane conditions in detention, including medical care, legal access, and basic human dignity

Rep. Vasquez was also among the first House Democrats to call for the impeachment of Secretary Noemfollowing the killing of Renee Good, and he remains a leading voicein calls for Noem's removal. He has also recently called on DHS and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to provide immediate transparency and answers following a historic surge in deaths of individuals held in ICE custody. Back in September 2025, Rep. Vasquez led a group of border state Democratsin demanding transparency and accountability in how DHS planned to spend more than $150 billion taxpayer dollars newly allocated under H.R. 1.

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