Jim Townsend, a senator for New Mexico's State Senate District 34, said there was a lack of notice regarding Senate Bill 250 being added to the Senate Judiciary Committee schedule. He made that statement in an X post on March 13.
"Late yesterday afternoon, Senate Judiciary Committee inserted Senate Bill 250 into their schedule," said Townsend, State Senator. "Senate Bill 250 basically makes New Mexico a sanctuary state. The opposition is howling, and rightfully so because they had no notice. Legislative Shenanigans in NM."
Senate Bill 250 addresses state enforcement of immigration law by prohibiting state and local agencies from enforcing federal immigration laws. It also makes the detainment of federal prisoners discretionary, in accordance with federal law. The bill specifies that neither the state nor its subdivisions shall use public resources for activities related to identifying or detaining individuals based on their immigration status. Additionally, it prohibits entities from assisting federal agents in such activities.
Screenshot of State Senator Jim Townsend's March 13 post on X.
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According to the webpage dedicated to the substitute bill, the Senate Judiciary Committee has proposed a substitution for Senate Bill 250. This substitution allows certain officials to keep individuals in custody if they are received through a warrant or order from a U.S. District judge in a criminal proceeding. It also states that the U.S. government is responsible for paying jail fees for those incarcerated under such circumstances.
A fiscal impact report from the Legislative Finance Committee indicates that if enacted, Senate Bill 250 would take effect 90 days after the legislature adjourns, with an effective date of June 20, 2025. The report also highlights a conflict between Senate Bill 250 and another bill that prevents state and local governments from adopting laws interfering with federal immigration law enforcement.
James G. Townsend is a Republican politician representing Eddy County. Before his election as senator for District 34 in 2024, he served as Minority Leader in the New Mexico House of Representatives. Townsend is recognized for his focus on energy policy and rural development, advocating for his constituents' interests in the energy sector.
