City, county to follow law enforcement lead on immigration

SANDOVAL COUNTY — The city of Rio Rancho and Sandoval County are reviewing recent policy guidance on immigration enforcement from the state and federal governments. While they do not make a definitive stance, they say it is up to law enforcement.

“Any time federal or state government policy changes are made and/or guidance is given, the City of Rio Rancho reviews and, in some cases, seeks additional, clarifying information. The City’s assessment of recently published federal and state immigration enforcement information and associated policy is currently taking place. The Rio Rancho Police Department’s jurisdictional mission in the community is to prevent criminal activity and investigate criminal activity when it does occur. This does not change over time,” the city said.

The county stated plainly that it is inclined to support law enforcement agencies in the matter. However, a detainer acceptance tracker by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) identifies the Sandoval County Detention Center as a non-cooperative institution as of a June 2024 filing.

While Rio Rancho and Sandoval County have not taken stance on the issue, it is different for the neighbor down the hill. Last week, Albuquerque reaffirmed its status as an immigrant-friendly city, siding with state policy on the matter.

“This week, we reaffirmed our commitment as an immigrant-friendly city. We believe everyone in our city should be able to report crimes and take their kids to school, church or the hospital without fear of having their family torn apart. APD officers will continue to arrest violent and repeat offenders —regardless of immigration status. We won’t turn our local police into immigration agents or target people because of their status or skin color,” a release from Mayor Tim Keller reads.

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez announced immigration enforcement guidelines Jan. 22.

“In response to President (Donald) Trump’s executive order rescinding longstanding federal protections for sensitive locations such as schools, churches, hospitals and courthouses, the New Mexico Department of Justice (NMDOJ) has issued guidance to leaders of these critical spaces. This change in policy, reversing safeguards recognized by both Republican and Democratic administrations, underscores the urgent need for local leaders to understand their rights and responsibilities at the intersection of state and federal law,” a release from his office states.

It adds that the removal of sensitive location protections overlooks the vital role spaces like schools and hospitals play in supporting families and children.

It states immigration enforcement can disrupt and jeopardize access to education, health care and essential services, noting that NMDOJ guidance is a vital resource to ensure such spaces remain accessible and welcoming for families and children while maintaining compliance with the law.

“Our priority is to protect New Mexico’s families, especially children, from policies that create fear and destabilize communities,” said Torrez. “We are committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring public safety, but we must also safeguard the ability of families and children to access education, health care and justice without fear of persecution.

“I support enhanced border security and targeted enforcement operations focused on cartel members, violent criminals and anyone who represents a national security risk to our nation,” Torrez added. “But rounding up children, crime victims and sick people is beneath the dignity of a great nation.”

The release called the federal prosecution on state and local officials to use limited resources for the enforcement unlawful.

“Threatening state and local officials with federal prosecution not only distorts the law but stains the reputation of a once-proud institution,” said Torrez. “As a former federal prosecutor who handled hundreds of immigration related cases, I know that this is not only a distortion of our laws but a shameful departure from the proud traditions of an agency that is supposed to be dedicated to the advancement of justice.”

The guidance is designed to mitigate the effects of immigration enforcement actions with focus in many areas of the community. The release references Fourth Amendment, the unreasonable search and seizure amendment, saying there are judicial protections for immigrants facing enforcement, emphasizing the distinction between administrative and judicial warrants, and clarifying protocols for managing immigration enforcement activities in court facilities.

The guidelines also reference addressing the impact of enforcement actions on victims of crime, including domestic violence survivors, and highlighting protections under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) for the benefit of community safety.

NMDOJ also encouraged schools, health care providers and places of worship to develop policies that balance legal compliance with the need to maintain safe and welcoming environments.

For more information or to access the full list of guidance publications, visit Guidance on Immigration Enforcement — New Mexico Department of Justice at nmdoj.gov.