Jay Block, a senator from New Mexico, has criticized Representative Marianna Anaya for her comparison of an ICE facility to Nazi concentration camps. Block described the comparison as offensive and urged Anaya to apologize. His statement was made on the social media platform X.
"New Mexico State Rep Marianna Anaya compares ICE facility to Nazi concentration camps," said C Block, New Mexico State Senator from 12th District (R). "Ridiculous. Ignorant. Apologize now!"
Immigration policy debates in New Mexico have intensified in 2025 as lawmakers consider measures to ban or limit ICE detention centers in Otero, Torrance, and Cibola counties. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s office has indicated that this issue might be addressed in a special legislative session. Meanwhile, Republican legislators have visited Otero County to express their opposition to the potential closure of these facilities. Senate Judiciary Chair Joseph Cervantes, who previously blocked a bill aimed at banning such centers, is now reconsidering his stance. According to Source New Mexico, this dispute highlights the broader political battle over immigration enforcement within the state.
ICE detention numbers in New Mexico have recently surged. TRAC data shows that on June 23, 2025, the Otero facility held 843 detainees, Torrance had 435, and Cibola housed 227 individuals. Two of these facilities reached their highest populations since at least 2019, reflecting both national increases and regional enforcement priorities. Nationwide, ICE reported detaining more than 58,000 individuals this summer—the highest total in five years. Source New Mexico's analysis of TRAC figures indicates that New Mexico facilities are part of this growing trend.
Overcrowding at the Otero facility has become a significant concern. Representative Gabe Vasquez reported in July 2025 that the facility was holding over 1,100 people in a space designed for 1,089. He noted that more than 80% of detainees there had no criminal charges or convictions, raising questions about ICE’s detention priorities. This situation contrasts with Torrance and Cibola facilities which are not over capacity but have also seen rising populations. The New Mexico Political Report suggests these conditions reflect broader challenges in managing detention resources.
Jay C. Block is a Republican state senator representing District 12 in New Mexico since his election victory in 2024. He serves on several committees including Senate Health & Public Affairs and Senate Rules Committees and participates in interim committees focused on Economic & Rural Development among others. Block's professional background is as a consultant; he emphasizes conservative policy positions particularly concerning public safety and government reform. According to the official site of the New Mexico Legislature, his work aligns with Republican legislative goals.
