Keller again sides with criminal aliens over citizens with extreme exec. order

Democrat Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller has signed a sweeping executive order that effectively cements the city’s status as a “sanctuary” for illegal immigrants, barring city employees and departments from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement in most circumstances. The move is being praised by far-left organizations and progressive city councilors — and sharply criticized by mayoral challenger Darren White, who called the action “reckless” and politically motivated.

Keller’s order, released Monday, claims to “protect immigrant rights,” framing it as a response to what he describes as “harmful federal policies,” including legislation like President Trump’s H.R. 1 — also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” The order prohibits the Albuquerque Police and other departments from using city resources to assist in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, including detentions, raids, or information sharing, unless legally required.

The executive order assigns oversight to the city’s Office of Equity and Inclusion and expands protocols to limit federal ICE access to city buildings and operations. City departments will now be required to report ICE activity to the mayor’s office and take steps to shield children and working families from immigration enforcement.

“We will not use our resources to support raids, detentions, or information-sharing that we are not legally required to do,” Keller said. “We will protect due process for all people living in our City.”

However, critics argue that Keller is going far beyond due process and prioritizing politics over public safety.

Former Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White, who is running to unseat Keller in November’s mayoral election, wasted no time in denouncing the order.

“This is nothing more than Mayor Keller doubling down on his dangerous policy of providing sanctuary to illegal immigrants who have committed serious crimes, rather than prioritizing the safety and well-being of our law-abiding residents,” White said in a statement. “He’s veering further to the radical left, using fear-based rhetoric and divisive language to score political points while placing federal law enforcement officers in danger.”

The order builds on a 2018 resolution that first branded Albuquerque an “immigrant-friendly city,” and city officials are already signaling plans to go further. Councilors Joaquin Baca, Klarissa Peña, Nichole Rogers, and Tammy Fiebelkorn all pledged to introduce legislation in August to codify and expand protections for undocumented immigrants.

City leaders and activists behind the policy point to economic contributions from immigrants, citing statistics that claim immigrants account for $12 billion annually in economic activity statewide. Keller’s office and groups like El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos argue that immigration enforcement “destabilizes families” and “terrorizes local communities.”

However, those who advocate for the rule of law view the policy as dangerously naïve and out of step with federal law.

White, who led Bernalillo County’s largest law enforcement agency, argued Keller is actively undermining cooperation between city law enforcement and federal immigration authorities — a move that could have fatal consequences.

“This executive order sends the wrong message,” White added. “It signals that Albuquerque is open to lawlessness and illegal activity, and it undermines the hard-working men and women who are tasked with enforcing our nation’s laws.”

The order is already drawing national attention and may become a central issue in the mayoral race, especially as Albuquerque continues to grapple with rising crime and concerns about law enforcement resources being diverted for political activism.

Keller’s executive order took effect immediately. City council legislation seeking to embed its provisions into law is expected to be introduced after the July recess.