Deb Haaland, U.S. Secretary of the Interior and former U.S. Representative for New Mexico's 1st congressional district, used her social media platform on August 12, 2025, to highlight concerns about children's safety and leadership, as well as community-focused initiatives in New Mexico.
In a post published at 03:04 UTC on August 12, Haaland stated: "Children should be learning in school, not worrying if their parents will be taken away, or if they’ll be picked up by ICE at school. "
Later that day, at 18:25 UTC, she emphasized the role of youth in current movements and her commitment to their well-being: "Young people aren't just the leaders of tomorrow; they're leading movements today. From education, to community centers, to safety -- our children deserve the best of the best, and I'm going to continue fighting fiercely for them."
At 19:30 UTC on August 12, Haaland reflected on her #LiftUpNM Tour and outreach efforts in New Mexico: "I ended my #LiftUpNM Tour welcoming the community to my new office! From housing to health care, I shared plans to make life more affordable, to address violent crime and root causes, and make sure every child has a good education. Let's change our state together!"
Haaland’s remarks come amid ongoing national discussions about immigration enforcement near schools and its impact on students’ sense of security. Her advocacy also aligns with broader policy debates over educational access and community support programs for children across the United States.
