Caza Ranches LLC and Department of Homeland Security Land Exchange Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2135
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-14: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2025-05-12T18:32:21Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
This bill authorizes a specific land exchange between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Caza Ranches LLC in Artesia, New Mexico, to support the operations of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC). The goal is to allow DHS to acquire land suitable for training facilities while transferring unused federal land to private ownership.
Key Provisions
- Definitions:
- "Centers" refers to FLETC and its related facilities in Artesia.
- "Federal land" is approximately 160 acres managed by DHS, identified by parcel number 4-149-096-266-460 in Township 16 South, Range 25 East, Section 35.
- "Non-Federal land" is approximately 160 acres owned by Caza Ranches LLC, identified by parcel number 4-147-097-132-132 in Township 17 South, Range 25 East, Section 4 (excluding any third-party subsurface rights).
- A "Map" (to be agreed upon) depicts the lands involved.
- "Secretary" means the Secretary of Homeland Security.
- Land Exchange Authorization:
- DHS is authorized to accept an offer from Caza Ranches LLC to exchange the non-Federal land for the Federal land, conveying full rights and title.
- Title to the non-Federal land must meet the U.S. Attorney General's standards for federal land acquisitions.
- Exchange Terms:
- The exchange respects any existing legal rights (e.g., easements or leases) as of the bill's enactment and may include additional protections deemed necessary by the Secretary.
- Costs of the exchange (e.g., surveys, legal fees) are split equally between DHS and Caza Ranches LLC.
- The lands are considered of equal value, eliminating the need for cash adjustments.
- All details must be documented in a signed written agreement.
- Post-Exchange Administration:
- The acquired non-Federal land becomes part of FLETC, used for building training-related structures.
- FLETC boundaries are adjusted to include the new land and exclude the transferred Federal land.
- Maps and Adjustments:
- Minor boundary changes or corrections to maps, acreage estimates, or descriptions can be made by mutual agreement.
- In case of conflicts, the agreed Map takes precedence.
- The Map and related documents must be publicly available at DHS's New Mexico headquarters.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This legislation creates new authority for a one-time land exchange not previously permitted under general federal land management laws (e.g., those under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act). It bypasses standard appraisal requirements by deeming the parcels equal in value and mandates equal cost-sharing, streamlining the process for this specific DHS-related transaction.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: DHS and FLETC gain contiguous land for expanded training facilities, potentially improving operational efficiency for law enforcement training without needing to purchase land outright.
- Citizens: Local residents in Artesia, New Mexico, may see minor changes in land use, such as new federal structures on one parcel and potential private development on the other, but no broad effects on public access or services are anticipated.
- International Relations: None directly affected, as this is a domestic land management issue focused on U.S. training centers.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and FLETC: Primary beneficiary, gaining land for mission-critical infrastructure.
- Caza Ranches LLC: Receives federal land in exchange, potentially for private use or development.
- Local Community in Artesia, New Mexico: Indirectly impacted through land boundary changes and possible economic effects from federal expansion.
- U.S. Attorney General: Involved in approving title standards for the acquired land.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Ensures compliance with federal title standards and existing rights, reducing litigation risks; the equal-value provision simplifies the process but could face scrutiny if values are later disputed.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority over federal property (Article IV, Section 3), with no apparent free speech, due process, or equal protection issues.
- Political: Supports DHS's border security and law enforcement training priorities in a border-adjacent area, potentially advancing bipartisan interests in federal efficiency, though it favors a specific private entity without competitive bidding.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3]
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-14: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2025-03-14: Introduced in House
- 2025-03-14: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Caza Ranches LLC and Department of Homeland Security Land Exchange Act of 2025 — issued 2025-03-14 — PDF (5 pages)