Elaine Cortez, a State Representative for New Mexico District 62, expressed concerns regarding the removal of qualified immunity and its impact on police recruitment and morale across New Mexico. She said that this change has led officers to relocate to other states. Cortez made these remarks during an interview with the New Mexico Suncast on March 6.
"It's harming the ability of Hobbs and Albuquerque and Las Cruces to recruit officers," said Cortez, New Mexico State Representative, according to YouTube. "The least that we can do as legislators is protect them by our laws. They're going to other places, and we are losing officers to Texas."
According to the podcast, Cortez opposes the removal of qualified immunity in New Mexico. She argues that it facilitates lawsuits against police officers and poses financial risks to municipalities. Furthermore, she believes this policy negatively affects law enforcement recruitment and retention, particularly in border towns like Hobbs, where officers are reportedly moving to neighboring states such as Texas. Cortez emphasizes that if officers are risking their lives for public safety, legislators have a responsibility to provide them with stronger legal support.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) notes that New Mexico has one of the highest rates of fatal police shootings in the nation. In response, the New Mexico Civil Rights Act permits residents to file lawsuits in state court against police officers and public officials for constitutional rights violations, explicitly prohibiting the use of qualified immunity as a legal defense.
Cortez's website describes her as a lifelong resident of New Mexico, a business owner, and a professor who has spent 37 years in Hobbs building her family and career. She holds a Doctorate in Business Administration and teaches at her alma maters, the University of the Southwest and Eastern New Mexico University.
