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Congresswoman Escobar Again Calls on Meta to Hold Public Listening Sessions on El Paso Data Center

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) sent a second letter to Meta calling on the company to hold public listening sessions and provide clear answers to El Pasoans about the impacts of its new data center.

With the project moving forward, residents continue to raise concerns about strain on local utilities, potential increases in household costs, and the broader environmental footprint. Congresswoman Escobar stressed that the community must not be left in the dark and should have a direct voice in shaping decisions that will impact El Paso’s future.

The letter can be found in its entirety below and here.

"I write to follow up on the letter I sent on March 25, 2026, requesting that Meta host a public community listening session. El Pasoans deserve clear, direct answers about how this new data center will impact their water and energy bills, cost of living, air quality, and environment.

"Since my initial outreach, there has been meaningful progress on a parallel effort that underscores the importance of transparency and community engagement. Following requests from my office, Army leadership held the first of a number of public listening sessions on April 22nd, 2026, regarding the White House’s proposed data center at Fort Bliss. That initial session provided El Pasoans, particularly those living closest to the project, an opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns, and engage directly with decision makers. I will be ensuring further engagement, especially as more information becomes available, and I have no doubt the Army will agree.

"As I mentioned in my previous letter, Meta’s project will have significant and lasting impacts on El Paso. Constituents continue to raise questions about energy demands, rising utility costs, water usage, and environmental implications. These are not abstract concerns – they affect families, neighborhoods, and the future sustainability of our region. While my office has sought clarity on these issues, many questions remain unanswered, particularly regarding how Meta will meet its energy needs and fulfill its commitment to water restoration. At a moment when another major data center project in our community is engaging in public input and transparency, it is both reasonable and necessary for Meta to meet that same standard.

"Respectfully, I request, again, that Meta commit to hosting a public community listening session in El Paso. I also reiterate my invitation for Meta to participate in a town hall discussion alongside local stakeholders, including local utility companies that have agreed to participate, to ensure our community has access to complete and accurate information. I have asked Mayor Renard Johnson and County Judge Ricardo Samaniego to help me ensure your participation.

"El Pasoans must not be left in the dark about decisions that will shape their future. Building trust requires more than investment. Rather, it requires transparency, engagement, and a willingness to listen.

"I look forward to your response and to working together to ensure that El Pasoans are fully informed and meaningfully included in this process.

"Thank you for your consideration."

TRANSCRIPT: Congresswoman Escobar Provides Opening Remarks on Republican Budget Bill

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

This afternoon, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) provided opening remarks at the the FY2026 Budget Resolution at the House of Representatives Committee on Rules, which begins the Senate-led reconciliation process.

The video can be found here and a (lightly edited) transcript has been provided below:

Rules Committee Chairwoman Virginia Fox: Miss Escobar, you're recognized.

Congresswoman Escobar: Thank you so much, Chairwoman Fox and Ranking Member McGovern. I'm here to voice my strong opposition to this budget resolution, both because of its outrageous spending allocations and because of my serious concerns with the process of how this was done.

It's important for everyone to understand what is happening in America today. Americans are struggling. The latest Gallup poll shows that nearly half of American adults - 47% - describe American's current economic conditions as poor. That's up from 40% one month ago, and it's clear why they feel this way.

Republicans' so-called "One Big Beautiful Bill," slashed access to Medicare and Nutrition Assistance programs. Republicans refuse to renew subsidies that helped Americans pay for their health insurance, causing their premiums to shoot up by 114%.

Trump's tariffs have cost the average family more than $1,700 in 2025 alone, and now his war in Iran has made gas prices skyrocket and prices are likely to get worse.

Instead of focusing on how we stop this economic collapse, Republicans are demanding an additional $70 billion, potentially as high as $140 billion, for CPB and ICE. The One Big Beautiful Bill, which provides tax breaks to billionaires by making drastic cuts to programs Americans depend on, also gave ICE and CBP $140 billion. This was for President Trump's mass deportation program, but that $140 billion could fund the entire Department of Homeland Security through next year.

So why are we really here? In the wake of the killings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti, Republicans are choosing to jam through additional funding for ICE and CBP instead of working with us to find bipartisan solutions that both protect our communities and ensure that ICE and CBP are just as accountable to the public as normal law enforcement agencies are.

I have the privilege of sitting on both the House Budget Committee with my colleague and friend, Mr. Arrington. I also sit on the House Appropriations Committee, and this partisan approach to government funding is not the way we should do things. The original Homeland Security Appropriations bill that passed out of the committee had protections for U.S. Citizens against what we saw in Minneapolis and many other American cities. But Donald Trump and Stephen Miller stripped out those protections because they knew they could do this: use Republicans in Congress to jam through a bill that grossly inflates these agencies' budgets, and also clears the way for a supplemental defense package that will fund the president's war in Iran, a war that has already cost us an estimated $50 billion.

Let's be clear: Section 4108 of this bill sets the stage for a future supplemental defense funding package, without us knowing what the actual cost of that will be. Just two weeks ago, during a hearing in the Budget Committee, I asked the OMB Director, Mr. Vought, if he could tell me how much would be requested in the Iran supplemental, and he either couldn't tell me or he wouldn't tell me. He wouldn't even ballpark it.

We should not be clearing the way to fund Trump's war of choice, which has not only driven up the cost of everyday essentials, but more importantly, resulted in the death of 13 American service members.

Frankly, I am astonished to see my colleagues in the House of Representatives rubber stamp this. This budget resolution will allow Senate Republicans to jam the House with little to no consideration. By allowing the Senate to move on reconciliation first, that means the House will not be able to hold any committee markups and will instead have to eat whatever the Senate passed reconciliation bill includes.

I am going to be voting no on this rule, no on the concurrent resolution, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. We have an obligation to treat a matter as serious as increasing the deficit with the attention it deserves.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I yield back.

Congresswoman Escobar Joins Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Mental Health Services at Schools

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

This week, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) co-sponsored the bipartisan Expanding Access to Mental Health Services in Schools Act. Led by Representatives Rosa DeLauro (CT-3), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) and Jahana Hayes (CT-5), this legislation would address the urgent need for mental health professionals in schools.

“Our children need support and mental health access and services more than ever. The Trump administration, which has prioritized war with Iran and tax breaks for billionaires, has slashed federal funding for mental health professionals at schools,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “Access to mental health resources and professionals isn't a luxury — it’s a necessity, and there’s still more work we need to do to help our nation’s kids. I’m proud to join this legislation to undo the Trump administration’s damaging cuts.”

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act - legislation which Congresswoman Escobar voted for -provided $500 million in additional funding for this critical program through fiscal year 2026. However, the Trump Administration recently canceled $1 billion for mental health services for children, saying that the programs funded by a bipartisan law aimed at stemming gun violence in schools were no longer in “the best interest of the federal government.”

Specifically, the Expanding Access to Mental Health Services in Schools Act would:

Assist in hiring school-based mental health services providers to provide school-based mental health services to students and implement evidence-based practices to improve school climate.
Implement strategies to recruit and retain school-based mental health services providers through salary stipends, relocation benefits, professional development opportunities, and other incentives.
Supplement, not supplant non-Federal funds that would otherwise be used for school-based mental health services

You can learn more about the Expanding Access to Mental Health Services in Schools Act here.

Congresswoman Escobar Honors Hal Marcus in U.S. House of Representatives

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Last week, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) submitted a Congressional Record to honor Hal Marcus. You can the find her submission here or read it below:

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a remarkable artist, musician, and proud El Pasoan, Hal Marcus.

“For decades, Hal Marcus helped shape the artistic spirit of El Paso, leaving an indelible imprint through his creative works and the countless individuals and institutions he uplifted along the way. Hal brought joy, imagination, and a sense of possibility to those around him. His artistic contributions captured the essence of the borderland region with a distinctive and enduring style.

“As a steward of history, Hal was deeply devoted to preserving and promoting early regional art, helping elevate awareness of El Paso’s rich cultural heritage and ensuring future generations could learn from and be inspired by it.

“The passing of Hal Marcus is a profound loss for El Paso. Yet his legacy lives on in his beautiful and loving family, the vibrant cultural landscape he helped, the artists he inspired, and the community he brought together.

“May he rest in peace, and may his memory continue to inspire us all.”

Congresswoman Escobar Introduces the El Paso VA Medical Center Activation Readiness Act to Ensure High Quality Care to Veterans Across El Paso

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Escobar (TX-16), alongside Congressman Morgan Luttrell (TX-8), introduced the El Paso VA Medical Center Activation Readiness Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation to strengthen congressional oversight and ensure the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is fully prepared to open the El Paso VA Medical Center and deliver timely, high quality care to veterans across the region.

“The new VA medical center in El Paso, for which I was proud to have secured $700 million in funding, represents a critical investment in the health and well-being of our veterans,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “But constructing the facility is only part of the work. We must ensure it is fully equipped and ready to serve veterans on day one. My legislation will require the VA to provide clear, detailed updates on its planning and coordination efforts so we can hold the Department accountable and ensure our veterans receive the care they have earned without delay.”

"Ensuring the new El Paso VA Medical Center opens fully staffed, fully equipped, and ready to serve veterans is essential. This bill provides the oversight needed to guarantee that the facility delivers timely, high-quality care and strengthens coordination across the region. DAV supports efforts that improve access, expand VA capacity, and keeps the promise to America’s veterans. We thank Rep. Escobar for her leadership in introducing this legislation," said Coleman Nee, National Commander, DAV (Disabled American Veterans)

Ensuring dependable access to VA care will require robust planning, coordination, and transparency from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The El Paso VA Medical Center Activation Readiness Act of 2026 would require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide a comprehensive briefing to Congress on the Department’s activation planning for the facility, including workforce readiness, patient demand, and coordination with regional partners.

Specifically, the legislation requires the VA to report on:

Staffing requirements and recruitment plans for clinical and support personnel
Workforce stability and hiring capacity, including potential staffing challenges
Timelines for the procurement and installation of medical equipment
Specialty care services that will be available to veterans
Projected demand for care across the region
Plans to transfer or transition care from other facilities or providers
Coordination with Department of Defense medical facilities, including William Beaumont Army Medical Center, to ensure continuity of care
Access and travel considerations for veterans, including coordination with transportation providers and local governments

This legislation builds on Congresswoman Escobar’s success in championing $700 million for the new VA medical center. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, she has also advanced complementary efforts to ensure strong oversight of the project through the Fiscal Year 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. This bill further strengthens those efforts by requiring the VA to provide Congress with a detailed, timely briefing on its readiness to open the facility and serve veterans effectively.

To view the bill text, click here.

TRANSCRIPT: Congresswoman Escobar Questions Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

This morning, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) questioned Acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons during a House Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Rodney Scott, Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Joseph Edlow, Director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) were also a part of the hearing.

The video can be found here and a (lightly edited) transcript has been provided below:

DHS Subcommittee Chairman Mark Amodei: The gentlelady from Texas, Ms. Escobar. The floor is yours.

Congresswoman Escobar: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Ranking Member [Cuellar]. And thanks to our witnesses for being here today. Before I get into my questions, I would be remiss if I didn't say that I am very glad that Kristi Noem, Corey Lewandowski, and Greg Bovino are no longer a part of the Department of Homeland Security.

The way that they engaged in our communities has been an abomination, and it is my hope that the wreckage which they created, which is immeasurable, can be addressed and that we can go forward in a different way. So I had to get that off my chest.

Mr. Scott, I've asked for a meeting with you, and I know this is a tough week, but I really would appreciate a one on one meeting with you, my team, your team. Can we make that happen in the next week or so?

CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott: Yes, ma'am. Within this next week, I'll be out of town after this meeting until Tuesday, but I’ll get with you.

CWE: Okay, and we're happy to work with you. Just would really appreciate the opportunity to sit down with you.

Commissioner Scott: Of course.

CWE: Thank you. Acting Director Lyons, I want to thank you for the time that you gave me and my team yesterday. I think it was a productive and fruitful conversation. And, much of what we talked about is Camp East Montana. It is the largest immigration detention facility in the country. It is privately run. It’s $1.24 billion. And I have been sounding the alarm about that facility and that contractor for some time now. I am glad that Acquisition Logistics will no longer be the contractor going forward. We are hoping to continue our oversight, our work on oversight as the new contractor situates itself. And to the Chairman's point, thank you for committing to get us the contract with Acquisition Logistics. I'd like it if the Chair, the Ranking Member and I could have the contract - the new contract with Amentum - please.

AD Lyons: Yes, ma'am, 100%.

CWE: Okay.

AD Lyons: And just, yeah, we're committed to making sure that we get you that, that contract will be fully in place by April 17^th -

CWE: Okay.

AD Lyons: - fully staffed. But just to, the original statement would work. We inherited that from the Department of War. And unfortunately, under the FAR Act - the FAR Act part two - there was, they listed proprietary information. So I just would refer any questions on the original contract back to the Department of War. [This] was the reason for the delay on the original.

Chairman Amodei: If I might, if you want to redact it, we're not going to the Pentagon to get answers about ICE stuff.

AD Lyons: We’ll take care of that for you.

Chairman Amodei: Okay? Thank you.

CWE: Thank you. Chairman. Will there be a - I'm assuming there will not be a similar issue with the Amentum contract.

AD Lyons: No, ma'am.

CWE: Okay. And we can get that in a timely manner?

AD Lyons: Yes, ma'am. Okay.

CWE: Thank you. And we have started to receive the answers to our letters from last fall and earlier this year. So I appreciate that we're starting to get those answers. But as we continue our oversight responsibilities and have more questions, can we expect responses to our questions in a more timely manner than existed under [DHS] Secretary Noem?

AD Lyons: Yes, ma'am. It was - I think yesterday, as we talked, I think my team was actually sending over responses in real time. So we have increased our legislative [affairs] staff, and we are expediting, answering and getting those all back in a more timely fashion. So, you do have the commitment that you will receive those answers.

CWE: Okay, I appreciate that. And as I mentioned, both on the phone, in my letters to members of this committee, to the Chairman, to the Ranking Member: the issues at Camp East Montana have been horrific. And frequently, [ICE] staff on the ground is very dismissive when I raise those issues directly with them. And we have an obligation to treat people in a humane manner and to make sure that we are living up to federal standards. And, the challenges with Camp East Montana have been laid out by our own federal oversight agencies. So I am not the only one who has seen these issues and who has sounded the alarm.

But, we now have in my community another set of ICE facilities that are going up. The Department of Homeland Security has purchased three warehouses in the city of Socorro, Texas - a population of 36,000 people - those three warehouses are going to house 8,500 human beings. Those structures are meant to hold goods. Those structures are meant to hold things, not people.

And the city of Socorro, their city council, has passed a moratorium on any DHS facilities. They do not have the water infrastructure, the wastewater infrastructure, the emergency services infrastructure. They don't have enough for their own community, but now to have facilities - potentially have facilities - for [8,500] human beings and staff. They are very alarmed. There were hundreds of of members of their community who attended the city council meeting to oppose these new facilities. Local leaders are uniformly opposed to any new facilities. And Mister Lyons, the county of El Paso has struggled to get any information from ICE. They've had to sue in order to try to get information. Is ICE or DHS still planning on proceeding with the the three warehouses?

AD Lyons: Well ma’am, Secretary Mullin is, like I said in my, statement before, he is looking at our whole detention plan. We're making decisions based on if we're going to move forward with those locations.

But what I can tell you is, and hopefully when we do go on our trip down to Camp East, to take the opportunity to show you exactly what those facilities will be. I know - I've said I don't like when people use the term “warehouse,” but it's if you once you see what the layout will be, it's not going to be any type of cages or anything like that. It's actually to be retrofitted to become a detention facility, one that we'll actually be proud of, one that would actually have standards - held in a humane way. So I welcome the chance, when we go down there to show you exactly what we actually plan to do -

CWE: Mr. Lyons, I am going to urge you to reconsider. The community is uniformly opposed to this. As I mentioned, a city of 36,000 people does not have the infrastructure for a facility of the magnitude that DHS is wanting to build. And there has been zero community consultation, zero community involvement, community engagement.

Before there are any - before there is any forward movement, would you commit to meeting with local leaders to hear directly from them?

AD Lyons: Yes, ma’am, and Secretary Mullin committed to ensuring that we have, not only interaction with yourself and other members of this committee, but local leadership on the ground - state, local municipality level - to have that community engagement, to have those discussions.

CWE: I appreciate that. I'm eager to see that happen. One last question. There have been multiple deaths at Camp East Montana. One of those deaths, Geraldo Lunas Campos, died in ICE custody on January 3rd of this year. The El Paso County Medical Examiner determined that was a homicide. I've read the details of the report. It's pretty horrific. What is the status of that investigation?

AD Lyons: So, ma'am, once we had that information provided to us, we went ahead and referred that case. That case now is with the FBI. So I can't speak to an investigation. But the FBI is investigating that.

CWE: Okay, so it's no longer in [ICE Office of Professional Responsibility]?

AD Lyons: It’s with the FBI, ma'am.

CWE: Okay. And I hope that you will evaluate the fact as you are thinking through these facilities and how they are privately run, that the staff on site lied initially about the accounts of that. And there really needs to be - I'd like to engage in a conversation with you about that.

AD Lyons: Yes, ma'am.

CWE: Mr. Chairman, I know my time is up. Thank you, I appreciate it, I yield back.

ICYMI: Escobar, Underwood, Warren, Luján Lead 32 Lawmakers in Pressing Homeland Security Watchdog to Investigate Detainee Locator System Failures

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Last week, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16), along with U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14) led 32 members of Congress in pressing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Inspector General to investigate Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) failure to provide accurate information about where detainees are being held.

The DHS Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS) allows the public to determine whether a person is in ICE custody and, if so, at which facility. ICE’s policy has historically been to update ODLS within eight hours of a person’s arrival at an ICE facility. But recent reports indicate that some individuals are not being accurately added to ODLS for days — and sometimes weeks. In some cases, individuals are deported before their location is ever added to the system.

ODLS has also become increasingly inaccurate since January 2025; in many instances, ODLS indicates that a person is being held at a particular detention center, but the facility will tell attorneys otherwise.

The Trump administration is detaining people at unprecedented scale, exacerbating ODLS issues. There are currently more than 70,000 people in ICE custody, 80% more than in December 2024. Frequent transfers make ODLS updates more challenging, and matters are only made worse when individuals are held in unconventional detention settings such as military bases, state-run facilities like “Alligator Alcatraz,” ICE field offices, and soon, warehouses built for storing packages.

The letter can be found in its entirety below and here.

Dear Inspector General Cuffari:

We seek an accounting of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) failure to ensure transparency surrounding where people in its custody are taken and held. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has long maintained an online detainee locator system (ODLS) “so that family members and attorneys can locate detainees more easily online, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” But since January 2025, that system has grown increasingly unreliable. Without a functional locator system, DHS is effectively creating “disappearances” on U.S. soil, and we urge the DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) to investigate this matter.

ICE created the ODLS in 2010 with the intent to allow the public to determine whether a person is in ICE custody and, if so, at which facility. Prior to the Trump Administration, ICE maintained a practice of adding adults in its custody to the record locator within eight hours of their arrival at an ICE facility. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) also uses ICE’s ODLS and has generally added individuals to the system after 48 hours in CBP custody.

However, reports now indicate that many detained individuals are not showing up in the online detainee locator system in a timely fashion, if at all.5 Families and legal representatives have reported that the system can now “take two to three days or longer” to update — and sometimes weeks. Congressional offices have similarly reported trouble locating constituents in ICE and CBP custody. In some cases, individuals are deported before their location is ever added to the online locator system.

At times, detained individuals cannot be located because the information in the ODLS is

inaccurate. For example, one “35-year-old Cuban man could not be located at the California

detention facility where U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said they had sent him,

leaving his family and attorney frantically trying to determine where he was for more than a

week.” There have been similar anecdotal reports of the locator showing that a person is

detained at a particular detention center yet facility contractors telling attorneys the individual is not at that facility. In other cases, it appears that detainees are not being added to the ODLS at all.

This emerging problem appears to be driven by several factors, including:

Scale of detention: Part of the problem appears to be the sheer scale of detention: there are currently more than 70,000 people in ICE custody, compared to around 39,000 as of December 2024, and the Trump Administration aims to reach a detention bed capacity of over 90,000.Expanding to detain over 80 percent more people over just one year appears to have strained ICE’s systems, including ICE’s ability to update the ODLS.
Number of transfers: ICE is transferring people between facilities more often than in past years — with a transfer rate more than double what it was in 2024 — introducing more errors into the system. ICE also appears to have changed how the ODLS handles the locations of individuals in the process of being transferred between facilities. Under ICE policy, the ODLS would traditionally “show that the detainee is in custody at the original facility until the detainee has arrived and been booked into the new facility.” Now, however, individuals “in transit” often do not show up in the system at all — sometimes for days at a time. And in cases where the ODLS says to contact the local field office to determine a person’s location, the field office is often unreachable.
Systematic failures at new facilities: There appear to be systemic ODLS failures for individuals held in this Administration’s new unconventional detention settings, which so far include military bases, ICE field offices, and state-run facilities, and may soon include warehouses built for storing packages. For example, individuals detained at Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” facility “frequently do not show up in the ICE online locator system.” Reporters could not determine “the whereabouts of two-thirds of more than 1,800 men detained during the month of July at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’” and the ODLS system simply said “‘Call ICE for details.’” Similarly, ICE field offices and CBP stations — which traditionally held detainees for just hours but are now being used to detain people for days or weeks — have failed to add individuals to the ODLS in a timely manner. According to reports, “[s]everal attorneys [have] recounted being unable to confirm with federal agencies that their clients were in fact detained in the locations, sometimes for days.”

When individuals in DHS custody cannot be located, their legal representation suffers. Attorneys have reported not knowing where to file a habeas petition because they do not know where their clients are located. Furthermore, detained clients face increased risk of missing court hearings or missing case deadlines when their attorneys cannot find them.

Families also suffer. Many have reported the terror of not knowing whether their loved one is

even still in the United States. The ODLS does not show if the person has been removed from the country, and with no information about transfers, there is no way to tell whether a person is “in the middle of a transfer between two sites or about to be deported.” Some families have reported that, by the time their loved one is found, they have already been deported. The inability to locate loved ones and clients is compounded by problems with ICE’s phone system in detention, with detained individuals increasingly reporting that they are not being permitted to make phone calls during their detention. Meanwhile, legal aid providers report being unable to reach ICE field offices when they call, even when the ODLS directs them to call the field office.

Some experts worry that these issues could even be intentional, alleging that ICE uses “bureaucracy and location transfers to isolate their detainees from both their families and their lawyers,” or to remove them from jurisdictions with more protective laws or more favorable judges. These concerns are not unfounded. For example, one ICE agent reportedly commented to a detainee that she was being transferred from California to Indiana “thanks to the laws in California.”

To understand the full scope of this problem, the reasons for the ODLS’s reporting gaps, and the impacts of these gaps on detainees and their families, we request that your office conduct an evaluation of this matter, including by addressing the following questions:

Has the ODLS system suffered a reduction in timeliness and reliability since January 2025?
1. If so, what are the primary reasons for these problems?
2. To the extent that there has been a reduction in timeliness and reliability, how has this affected detainees’ legal rights, including access to counsel and ability to file legal documents?
3. How quickly was the ODLS updated before January 2025 and how quickly has it been updated since January 2025?
What types of location information do ICE or CBP maintain that the agencies do not add to the ODLS?
1. What types of facilities are excluded from showing up in ODLS results, and why?
2. Over the past year, what was the median hold time for each type of facility excluded from the ODLS?
3. What other mechanisms, if any, are available for attorneys and family members to know where a client or loved one is being detained if the person is not added to the ODLS?
What offices within ICE and CBP are charged with maintaining ODLS updates?
1. How many full-time equivalent employees work on ODLS updates?
Does ICE track how long it takes for booking information to be transmitted to the ODLS?
1. If so, what is the average transmission time?
What is the median response time to phone calls for each ICE field office that detains individuals overnight?
What guidance do ICE and CBP provide for staff on use of the ODLS?
1. What, if any, updates have been made to this guidance since January 20, 2025?
Under what circumstances does ICE use “Call ICE for Details” or “Call Field Office” in the ODLS, and under what circumstances did ICE use those responses before January 20, 2025?
What guidance or practices does ICE have for updating location information for individuals in ICE custody who are not at detention centers, including those at field offices and hospitals?
What guidance or practices do ICE and CBP follow for updating location information for individuals in their custody who are being transferred between facilities?
1. Specifically, has ICE or CBP provided guidance to its agents about not updating the ODLS until a person has arrived at their “final destination”? Please share a copy of any such guidance.
Does the ODLS show the location of individuals detained by or on behalf of ICE at:
1. Overseas military bases, including Guantanamo Bay;
2. Domestic military bases;
3. State-run immigration detention facilities;
4. ICE field offices.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Congresswoman Escobar Hosts Event Honoring Ten Extraordinary El Pasoans

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) hosted her third Congressional Commendation Event, recognizing a group of outstanding El Pasoans whose work has strengthened the community across fields including education, public service, the arts, science, and advocacy.

“Together, these honorees reflect the strength, resilience, and talent that define El Paso,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “Our community is grateful for their service and deeply proud to celebrate the profound impact each of these individuals has made on our beloved community. El Paso thanks you.”

The honorees included:

Carlos Spector – posthumous - In Memory of Carlos Spector (March 13, 1954 – March 1, 2026) was a respected immigration attorney, U.S. Air Force veteran, and human rights advocate whose work reshaped asylum law for Mexican nationals fleeing violence. A native of El Paso, Spector dedicated his life to defending the rights of migrants and strengthening the Borderland community he deeply loved. (Emily is presenting a CR at his memorial service at UTEP on Monday, March 9 but this would be another opportunity to celebrate his life and you to do so personally).

Sadok El Ghoul, Ph.D. - Dr. Sadok El Ghoul is a distinguished finance scholar and internationally recognized expert in corporate governance, whose work bridges rigorous academic inquiry with real-world organizational impact. In recognition of his sustained contributions to the field, El Ghoul was awarded the Yvan Allaire Medal from the Royal Society of Canada which is one of the nation’s highest scholarly honors. As a Regent’s Distinguished Research Professor at the University of Texas at El Paso’s Woody L. Hunt College of Business, El Ghoul’s research deepens our understanding of how firms are governed, how they behave, and how governance mechanisms function across diverse institutional and cultural environments.

Leah Juarez - Leah Juarez is a senior at Horizon High School and dedicated three-sport athlete competing in wrestling, softball, and basketball. In February 2024, she suffered a career-threatening neck injury, breaking her C5 and C6 vertebrae while preparing for a regional wrestling meet. After undergoing a six-hour surgery at University Medical Center and committing herself to extensive physical therapy, Juarez worked to regain her strength. Demonstrating resilience and determination, she returned to softball and to wrestling finishing 3-1 and placed fifth.

Amanda Ekery - Amanda Ekery’s latest album, Arabe, explores shared Syrian and Mexican history and culture along the El Paso border through 12 original songs accompanied by essays detailing the stories behind each track. The project addresses themes ranging from food traditions and folklore to immigration law, biracial identity, and workers’ rights. Arabe was nominated for “Best Album Notes” at the 2026 Grammy Awards.

Ramadevi Subramani Reddy, Ph.D. - Getting inspiration from traditional remedies Dr. Subramani Reddy observed growing up, is investigating whether compounds derived from the neem tree, specifically gedunin, may provide a less toxic and more effective treatment option for pancreatic cancer. Supported by a $45,000 grant from the Lizanell and Colbert Coldwell Foundation, her research focuses on diseases that disproportionately affect the El Paso and Borderplex communities.

Guillermo “Willie” Cordero - Willie Cordero will be featured in the Texas Highway Magazine for leading the efforts in preserving the historical cemetery of Smeltertown. Since 2019 Mr. Cordero and his volunteers have cleared tons of trash, replaced hundreds of broken crosses, and built a monument honoring local veterans buried at Smeltertown Cemetery.

Julián Kalel Almanzan - Julian Kalel auditioned for American Idol in 2025 and impressed judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood with a performance of his original song, “Surrender” but took a step down from auditioning to bring awareness and focus on his mental health. He came back to audition again for American Idol in 2026 and is currently in the Top 30. Contacted him and he might be able to attend.

Dr. Dennis Bixler-Marquez, Ph.D. - Dr. Bixler-Marquez retired last year from UTEP after over 40 years of service and has earned the highest rank in academics of Professor Emeritus in honor of his distinguished career and lifelong contribution to education and service as Director of the Chicano Studies Department.

Rosa Guerrero - Guerrero’s dedication to education and cultural advocacy has been recognized through numerous honors. She received a lifetime membership from the Texas Parent Teacher Association and became the first Hispanic woman and living educator in El Paso to have a school named in her honor, Rosa Guerrero Elementary School. In In 1993 and in 1994 was inducted into the Texas Women's Hall of Fame and into the El Paso Women's Hall of Fame and was recognized as a 1997 Distinguished Alumna of UTEP.
Today, Guerrero continues her mission as an educational consultant, delivering presentations and lectures that promote cultural understanding, respect, and unity through the arts and education. Maestra Rosa Guerrero is an artist, educator, dancer, historian, and humanitarian who has dedicated her life to her community and whose work celebrates art, diversity, and human connection throughout our community and across the United States.

Martine Ceberio - Dr. Martine Ceberio is a professor in Computer Science at UTEP who has played a key role in developing and re-designing UTEP’s computer science program. She also advanced efforts to expand access to computing education, particularly for women and under-served communities. She has been named a Piper Professor for 2025, one of the highest honors for educators in Texas.

Photos from the event can be found here.

Congresswoman Escobar Co-Sponsors Bipartisan Act to Strengthen Mental Health Access for Service Members

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) joined a bipartisan group of Members of Congress, led by Representative Gil Cisneros (CA-31), in co-sponsoring the Brandon Act Training and Protocol Act, legislation to strengthen implementation of critical mental health protections for U.S. service members.

The legislation builds on the Brandon Act, which was enacted following the tragic death of U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Caserta, who died by suicide in 2018 after repeatedly being denied access to mental health care. The law ensures that service members can confidentially request mental health support through their chain of command at any time and for any reason.

While the Brandon Act is currently law, many service members do not know they have the rights to seek help. The Brandon Act Training and Protocol Act addresses these implementation challenges by requiring the Department of Defense to incorporate Brandon Act training into annual training requirements and to proactively promote awareness across the military.

“The Brandon Act was an important step forward, but a law only works if people know it exists and leaders are trained to carry it out. This bipartisan legislation will help ensure that every service member understands their rights and can access care when they need it, without barriers, stigma, or delay,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “Military families understand the importance of timely and accessible mental health care. By strengthening awareness and accountability, this legislation will help ensure service members across the services can get the support they need.”

The Brandon Act Training and Protocol Act reflects a bipartisan commitment to supporting the wellbeing of our service members and ensuring that the policies designed to protect them are fully implemented and effective.

You can learn more about the Brandon Act here and the Brandon Act Training and Protocol Act here.

Congresswoman Escobar Co-Sponsors Bipartisan Love Lives On Act to Support Military Families

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) joined 144 other Members of Congress, led by Richard Hudson (NC-9), in cosponsoring the Love Lives On Act — bipartisan legislation to ensure surviving spouses of fallen service members and veterans do not lose critical benefits if they choose to remarry.

Under current law, surviving spouses who remarry before the age of 55 lose access to key benefits they rely on to support themselves and their families. The Love Lives on Act would eliminate this penalty, allowing surviving spouse to retain benefits such as Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities, and other Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DoD) benefits regardless of remarriage age. The bill would also restore TRICARE eligibility for remarried surviving spouses if that subsequent marriage ends.

"For far too long, surviving spouses have been forced to choose between financial security and finding love again,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “That is an unfair and deeply outdated burden to place on families who have already sacrificed so much for our country. The Love Lives On Act ensures that surviving spouses can move forward in their lives without fear of losing the benefits they earned through their loved one’s service.”

Military families in communities like El Paso understand the lasting impact of service and sacrifice. By removing barriers to stability, this legislation helps ensure that surviving spouses and their children can continue to access the support they need.

The Love Lives On Act reflects a bipartisan commitment to honoring the sacrifices of service members by supporting the families they leave behind, without conditions.

Full bill text can be found here.

Federal Services Resource Fair

Sat, 11 Oct 2025 13:00:00 GMT

August 2025 Town Hall

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Congressional Office Hours with the Small Business Administration

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 18:30:00 GMT

Congressional Office Hours with Sentri/Global Entry Program

Sat, 09 Aug 2025 14:30:00 GMT

July 21, 2025 Tele-Town Hall

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 22:00:00 GMT

I'd like to invite you to join me on Monday, July 21st at 6pm MT for a live tele-town hall. With so much news over the last few weeks, I wanted to take some time to share my latest updates with you and answer your questions.

You can watch along on my Facebook page, or dial in at 866-478-3483 in English or 855-962-1021 in Spanish.

More Information:

The Republican Spending Bill
The Dignity Act
Impoundment
Republican Cuts: Rescissions

June 7th In-Person Town Hall

Sat, 07 Jun 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Join Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) for her an in-person town hall on Saturday, June 7, at 10 a.m. MT at the Horizon High School Cafeteria.

This town hall is free and open to the public. El Pasoans can join this conversation on Facebook Live. El Pasoans can sign up to receive a reminder and submit their questions ahead of the event here.

For questions or more information, please contact Congresswoman Escobar’s office at (915) 541-1400.

Congressional Office Hours with Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA)

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Congressional Office Hours with USCIS

Fri, 09 May 2025 18:00:00 GMT

March 29th In-Person Town Hall

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Join Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) for her an in-person town hall on Saturday, March 29, at 9 a.m. MT at the Eastwood High School Auditorium.

For questions or more information, please contact Congresswoman Escobar’s office at (915) 541-1400 or Veronica.Escobar@mail.house.gov.

Congressional Mobile Office Hours with the El Paso Passport Agency

Sat, 12 Apr 2025 14:30:00 GMT