Albuquerque, NM – A coalition of local organizations and officials gathered at El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos to voice opposition to recent immigration policies under former President Donald Trump. The group included Mayor Tim Keller, New Mexico House Speaker Javier Martinez, the New Mexico Conference of Catholic Bishops, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico, and others.
The assembly criticized what they described as an increase in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in New Mexico and condemned efforts to involve local jurisdictions in federal immigration enforcement. They argued that these actions erode constitutional rights such as due process.
Speakers highlighted Albuquerque's longstanding policy not to assist with federal immigration law enforcement. This includes ensuring local law enforcement does not aid ICE with detentions.
Economic concerns were also raised. Advocates noted that immigrants constitute 11% of the workforce in New Mexico while making up only 9% of the population. They contribute significantly to sectors like construction, agriculture, and hospitality and account for 15.4% of entrepreneurs in the state.
Fabiola Landeros from El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos stated, “We are proud of the contributions of immigrant families in Albuquerque... We will continue to organize to defend and expand immigration protections.”
New Mexico House Speaker Javier Martínez emphasized community solidarity: “Now is not the time to turn our back on our communities... We will do everything in our power to continue to protect our communities.”
Mayor Tim Keller reiterated city policy: “Our communities are safer when everyone feels safe reporting crime... no city staff, including police, are allowed to ask about immigration status or document it.”
Dr. Sonya Lisa Romero-Autrey from the Albuquerque Teachers Federation spoke on education: “As teachers, we witness how immigration shapes our students... it is our responsibility to help shoulder that weight by ensuring they feel safe.”
Teresa Garcia from Albuquerque’s Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault council remarked on public safety: “Our communities are safer when trust between local agencies and immigrant families remains strong.”
Allen Sanchez from the New Mexico Conference of Catholic Bishops called for ethical behavior: “Catholic Social Teaching calls all of us to decency... The behavior and actions of ICE agents at schools, medical facilities, and churches are not acceptable.”
Leon Howard from ACLU of New Mexico concluded with a commitment to legal action: “The Trump administration’s systemic acts of terror violate the most fundamental principles of American justice... The ACLU of New Mexico will continue monitoring these enforcement actions."
