Senator Anthony Thornton, representing New Mexico's Senate District 19, has expressed concerns that the Nondisclosure of Sensitive Personal Information Act could face legal challenges from the Trump administration. "I’m sure this bill will be challenged by the Trump administration as our local Democrat politicians are trying to 'Trump-proof' New Mexico by aiding and abetting illegal migrants," Thornton said in a Facebook post on February 22.

"I'm sure this bill will be challenged by the Trump Administration as our local Democrat politicians are trying to “Trump-Proof” New Mexico by aiding and abetting illegal migrants," said Thornton, State Senator. "New Mexico is very much reliant on Federal dollars. For every $1 the state pays for Medicaid, we receive $3 from the Federal Government. It appears our Democrat colleagues want to poke the bear."

The Nondisclosure of Sensitive Personal Information Act, also known as Senate Bill 36, aims to prevent state agency employees from intentionally disclosing personal information such as public assistance status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disabilities, medical conditions, immigration status, national origin, or Social Security numbers. Disclosure would only be permitted if required by federal statute, with the individual's written consent, during judicial proceedings, or if necessary for state agency functions. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Screenshot of State Senator Ant Thornton's Feb. 22 post on X | X

According to Thornton's post on X referencing a statement from Amy Barela of the Republican Party of New Mexico regarding the bill's passage: "At a time when New Mexico’s violent crime rate is double the national average, Democrats are rushing a bill that would shield criminal illegal aliens from consequences, further restrict law enforcement, and could cost our state billions in federal funding critical for public safety—despite the Democrats’ outcry over DOGE budget cuts. New Mexicans deserve to know why their Democrat legislators keep prioritizing those who break our laws over the safety of the citizens they’re elected to protect," said Barela.

On February 20, the Senate passed the bill with a vote of 26-14. One legislator was absent and another excused. Republican Senators including Thornton voted against it according to official records.

Thornton is a Republican aerospace engineer from Bernalillo County who was elected in 2024 to represent Senate District 19. He succeeded Dr. Gregg Schmedes and focused his campaign on technological innovation and economic diversification. His contributions to both the aerospace industry and community involvement have been recognized in his official biography.