New Mexico remains at the center of the national immigration debate following President Donald Trump’s re-election as several municipalities reaffirm their sanctuary status and the state legislature considers competing bills over the issue.
A recent poll conducted by the New Mexico Business Coalition found strong support for local law enforcement holding and deporting illegal aliens, with 66% of respondents agreeing that state and local law enforcement should cooperate with federal officials to enforce immigration laws against criminal illegal aliens.
Among specific groups, 70% of self-identified Latinos and 71% of self-identified independents agreed with such cooperation, further emphasizing the state's divided stance on the issue.
The poll also highlighted a sharp partisan divide, with 98% of Republicans supporting such efforts, while only 36% of Democrats were in favor.
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller recently reasserted the city’s sanctuary status—which includes protections for illegal aliens charged with crimes— following Trump’s reelection, despite ongoing discussions and new legislative proposals aimed at curbing sanctuary policies.
“Albuquerque values our immigrant communities-you make this city stronger,” Keller said in an InstaGram post that was accompanied by a video. “Our policies protect your right to access services and public spaces without fear of immigration status being questioned by city staff, including police. If you or someone you know needs support, the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs can connect you to local resources.”
The Department of Justice has threatened to remove financial support from the city over its stance.
Meanwhile, the state legislature is considering two bills that would impact sanctuary cities.
Senate Bill 87 seeks to bar municipalities from enacting laws that interfere with federal immigration enforcement.
“The state or any political subdivision of the state shall not adopt or continue in effect any law, ordinance, rule or regulation that would prohibit or restrict the use of personnel or resources to assist in the enforcement of federal immigration law or interfere with the enforcement of federal immigration law,” the bill reads.
The bill ensures that personnel and resources can be used to assist in the enforcement of these laws without limitation. It seeks to prevent any local or state measures that might hinder cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
The legislation aims to support the enforcement of federal immigration policies at the state and local levels.
That legislation is sponsored by State Sen. Crystal Brantley (R-Elephant Butte) who represents District 35, which includes Catron, Doña Ana, Grant, Hidalgo, Luna, Sierra and Socorro counties. Brantley, a small business owner, has been in office since 2021.
The bill is co-sponsored by State Rep. Luis Terrazas (R-Silver City) a small business owner who represents District 39, which covers Catron, Grant and Hidalgo counties, has been in office since 2021.
In contrast, Senate Bill 250, introduced by State Sen. Moe Maestas (D-Albuquerque), proposes restrictions on state and local agencies using public resources to assist in immigration enforcement, aiming to protect sanctuary communities.
The proposal specifically identifies jail administrators and sheriffs.
“Neither the state nor a political subdivision of the state, including a home rule municipality, or their agencies and instrumentalities shall use or authorize the use of public funds, personnel, property, equipment or other resources for the purpose of identifying, detecting, apprehending, arresting, detaining or prolonging the detention of a person based on suspicion or knowledge that the person has entered or is residing in the United States in violation of federal immigration laws or for the purpose of assisting agents of the federal government in any such activity based on such suspicion or knowledge,” the bill reads.
Similarly, in a direct challenge to the federal government's stance on deportation, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, has made her opposition clear.
Following warnings from "Border Czar" Tom Homan, who cautioned sanctuary states about potential federal prosecution or fines, Lujan Grisham vowed to fight mass deportation efforts in court.
Shortly after Trump took office in late January, border apprehensions in New Mexico dropped by 17%, with reports suggesting a steeper decline since.
