Stefani Lord, a House representative from New Mexico, expressed concerns about the potential economic impact of closing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities. She criticized Representative Marianna Anaya for likening these facilities to concentration camps. Lord's comments were made on the social media platform X.
"Democrats pushed to shut down ICE facilities in Torrance, Otero, and Cibola Counties, threatening hundreds of jobs and millions in local revenue," said Lord, New Mexico State Representative for 22nd District (R). "This is nothing more than political grandstanding. The insensitive and out-of-touch rhetoric came to a head when Democrat Representative Marianna Anaya of Albuquerque outrageously referred to these facilities as “CONCENTRATION CAMPS. This comparison is deeply offensive and diminishes the horrors of the Holocaust."
Debates surrounding ICE detention centers in New Mexico resurfaced in August 2025 when the interim Courts and Criminal Justice Committee reviewed testimony regarding a proposed statewide ban. Senate Judiciary Chair Joseph Cervantes, who had previously opposed the measure, indicated he was reconsidering his stance. Meanwhile, Republicans highlighted the employment opportunities linked to Otero County, while advocates pushed for the closure of these facilities. Source New Mexico reported that this debate could lead to a contentious special session.
ICE facilities are significant sources of local revenue. Torrance County alone received approximately $2 million monthly from ICE in 2025 for utilizing around 700 beds managed by CoreCivic. County officials argue that these guaranteed payments are crucial for sustaining jobs and county finances, even during periods of low occupancy. Bloomberg noted that this financial dependency highlights the economic implications of the detention center debate.
Detention numbers in New Mexico have seen a marked increase. According to TRAC data as of June 23, 2025, Otero held 843 detainees, Torrance 435, and Cibola 227—figures representing over a 25% increase year over year. This rise coincides with a national ICE population exceeding 58,000 detainees, marking a five-year high. Source New Mexico attributed this growth to increased transfers and intake.
Lord represents District 22 in the New Mexico House and has focused on policies related to border security, stricter penalties for drug traffickers, defending Second Amendment rights, and promoting economic growth. Her campaign biography emphasizes her community involvement in the East Mountains and her alignment with conservative values. Her campaign website describes her as an advocate for public safety and individual rights.
