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The Fight for the Immigrant Safety Act: A Critical Year Ahead
As 2026 approaches, advocacy groups in New Mexico are gearing up for a significant legislative session to push for the Immigrant Safety Act (HB 9), aimed at curtailing the state's involvement in immigration detention. The New Mexico Immigrant Law Center (NMILC), led by policy director Jessica Martínez, is at the forefront of this movement. Having previously met a setback in 2025 when the bill failed to pass through the Senate, the urgency surrounding this issue has only intensified.
The proposed legislation seeks to prohibit local government agencies from entering agreements that would allow the detention of individuals for immigration violations. As articulated by Martínez, "The Immigrant Safety Act is the most critical bill to pass for immigrant protections in New Mexico. We need to do it more than ever." The window for passing this bill is narrowing, as the 2026 session is limited to just 30 days, half the time allotted in the previous year.
Challenging Inhumane Conditions
New Mexico's immigration detention centers, notably the Torrance County Detention Facility, have faced significant scrutiny over conditions that are often deemed inhumane. Reports of mistreatment and lack of accountability highlight the importance of the proposed act, which, as Martínez emphasizes, aims not only to prevent local governments from contracting with ICE but also to protect human dignity.
Mobilizing Community Support for Change
Martínez encourages active community participation in this effort. She stresses the need for public engagement, urging community members to attend legislative meetings and support advocacy initiatives. "What we can control is what our state and local governments can and cannot do," she points out, emphasizing the collective power that can influence significant changes.
Learning from Other States
New Mexico is not alone in this fight. States like California and Colorado have already implemented similar legislation to curtail ICE's operations, highlighting the potential for New Mexico to follow suit. These states showcase a growing trend of prioritizing human rights and dignity over punitive immigration policies, setting a precedent that advocates believe New Mexico can achieve.
Why This Matters Now More Than Ever
The urgency of the Immigrant Safety Act is compounded by the broader socio-political climate, which has seen an increase in anti-immigrant sentiments and actions since the previous administration. With allegations of human rights abuses in detention centers surfacing, it is crucial for New Mexicans to stand in solidarity with immigrant communities.
As the January session looms, advocacy efforts are ramping up. There is hope that with sustained public momentum, the Immigrant Safety Act will not only gain legislative approval but will also signify a commitment to justice and compassion in the realm of immigration policy.
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