Immigrant advocates in New Mexico are urging lawmakers to act swiftly as the Trump administration expands its deportation efforts in the state. Recently, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained 48 migrants in places like Albuquerque and Santa Fe, including 20 with criminal records. This has raised serious concerns about human rights violations.
Rebecca Sheff from the ACLU of New Mexico expressed deep worry over the fate of those detained. “We don’t know what’s happened to these four dozen New Mexicans. They’ve effectively disappeared,” she noted. The ACLU has filed a complaint with the Department of Homeland Security, demanding federal oversight of these actions.
Advocates believe that this is just the beginning of ICE’s operations in New Mexico and are calling for state lawmakers to take action quickly. “The clock is not an excuse. The people need you,” said Allen Sánchez, executive director of the New Mexico Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Two bills aimed at strengthening protections for immigrants are still in play. One, aptly named the Immigrant Safety Act, would stop local governments from participating in federal migrant detention efforts. Jessica Inez Martínez from the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center pointed out that reducing ICE’s presence in the state would enhance community safety: “ICE is more likely to conduct arrests and raids closer to where they have existing detention beds.”
The second bill, Senate Bill 250, aims to prevent ICE from enlisting local law enforcement to help apprehend migrants. If passed, this bill would position New Mexico as a sanctuary state. Gabriella Ibañez Guzman, a staff attorney for Somos Un Pueblo Unido, emphasized the need to define the roles of federal immigration enforcement and local safety.
According to the American Immigrant Council, New Mexico is home to about 53,000 undocumented immigrants. Advocates want lawmakers to remember these individuals are part of their communities. Marcela Díaz stated, “What we know is that people in our community are gone, workers are gone, family members are gone.”
Reactions to the ongoing situation reveal a deep concern within the community. Social media is abuzz with support for the bills, as many feel a sense of urgency in protecting their neighbors and loved ones. State Sen. Harold Pope highlighted the emotional toll on families: “I believe I speak for a majority when I say we hear the cries of our undocumented brothers and sisters.”
Both bills are currently awaiting votes in the Senate. However, there’s uncertainty about when or if they will advance, and whether the governor will sign them into law. The situation highlights the critical need for legislative action to ensure the safety and dignity of all residents in New Mexico.
For more information on immigration policies, you can check the American Immigrant Council here.
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Source linkGriffin Rushton,New Mexico Legislature
