A coalition of immigrants' rights advocates has filed a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding the "disappearance" of 48 New Mexico residents, allegedly apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during recent operations in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Roswell. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico submitted the complaint, stating that ICE has not disclosed information about these individuals' identities, whereabouts, detention conditions, or legal representation.
Rebecca Sheff, senior staff attorney at ACLU of New Mexico, expressed concern over this situation: "This is not just a procedural issue—it's a serious human rights violation." She emphasized the distress faced by families unable to contact their loved ones.
The coalition is urging New Mexico legislators to advance two bills aimed at protecting immigrant communities: HB 9 (Immigrant Safety Act) and SB 250 (No State & Local Resources for Immigration Enforcement Act). HB 9 seeks to close loopholes allowing ICE and private contractors to bypass safety oversight using local governments. SB 250 aims to prevent state and local resources from aiding federal immigration enforcement.
Marcela Díaz, executive director of Somos Un Pueblo Unido, highlighted the need for SB 250: “We do not know if and how the federal government worked with local agencies to identify and locate these New Mexicans.” Jessica Inez Martínez from the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center stressed the urgency of passing HB 9 due to past deaths in custody at detention centers.
Former detainee Edwin Jesus Garcia Castillo shared his personal experience: “When I was detained, my family had no idea where I was for days.” Norma Mendoza from El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos urged support for SB 250 amid heightened fears of mass deportations.
Zoe Bowman from Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center criticized ongoing actions against immigrant families: “The Trump administration continues to terrorize communities and immigrant families in New Mexico and across the country.”
Ariel Prado from Innovation Law Lab called on legislators to pass both bills: “What ICE has done is not just an attack on immigrant families; it’s an attack on the very idea of due process and human rights.”
The ACLU's complaint demands immediate action from federal authorities to locate those apprehended, ensure their well-being, protect them from retaliation, and hold accountable those responsible for their disappearance.
