Something powerful happened in Santa Fe this week…
In a defining vote, the New Mexico Senate stood with families and community trust by passing House Bill 9, the Immigrant Safety Act, with a 24-15 vote.
The landmark legislation, now headed to the governor’s desk, is a resounding declaration of our state’s core values: community, fairness, and resilience.
This victory is clear – New Mexico says no to secret police tactics and no to cruel, for-profit private prisons that tear families apart.
By banning ICE 287(g) agreements and ending complicity with federal detention and a reckless and out of control DHS/ICE, we are leading the way. We are showing the nation how communities can unite to counter harm and build a system focused on true public safety, not fear.
Immigrants are our neighbors, essential workers, and part of the rich cultural fabric that makes our state strong. HB 9 upholds this truth by ensuring local law enforcement can focus on protecting everyone in our community, not acting as an arm of a divisive federal agenda.
This win did not happen in a vacuum. It is the result of the tireless work of dedicated state legislators, courageous immigrant rights organizations, and countless advocates who never stopped believing that New Mexico could be better.
They turned pain into purpose and fear into action, reminding us that when we show up for each other, we can make hard-won progress.
Thank you to every legislator who voted yes, every organizer who rallied, and every person who raised their voice. You have upheld the New Mexican values of showing up for our neighbors and ensuring everyone has a seat at the table.