illegal immigration

After Keller directs APD to shield criminal aliens, mayoral challenger fights back

Albuquerque mayoral candidate Darren White has issued a fiery rebuke of Mayor Tim Keller’s latest move to shield illegal immigrants from federal enforcement, calling it a “reckless abuse of city resources” and demanding immediate federal scrutiny.

In a July 12 Facebook post, Keller announced a new policy directing the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) to answer public inquiries about the presence of federal immigration agents in the city.

“Our APD does not enforce immigration laws. But when something doesn’t feel right in your neighborhood, you deserve to know what’s going on,” Keller wrote. “That’s why we’ve created a new way to verify if federal immigration agents are operating in our city. You can now call APD directly to get answers.”

The post featured a group of activists holding a banner that read “Immigrant Friendly — Burque Strong,” surrounded by butterfly motifs — a well-known symbol of open-borders activism. Notably, several protestors in the photo held signs referencing Senate Bills 250 and 836, which include provisions tied to immigrant protections and limiting law enforcement collaboration with ICE.

But White — a former sheriff, police officer, and cabinet secretary for public safety — isn’t having it. In a formal letter sent to U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison, White demanded a federal investigation into whether Keller’s directive violates any laws, particularly those pertaining to obstruction of justice or interference with federal duties.

“As stated in a public post by Mayor Keller, ‘You can now call APD directly to get answers’ regarding the presence of federal immigration agents,” White wrote. “This directive… risks compromising sensitive operations, places federal personnel in imminent danger, and could even endanger members of the public.” 

White emphasized that Keller’s policies are putting political ideology above public safety. “If Mayor Keller doesn’t want ICE making apprehensions in public, he can rescind the Sanctuary City law and allow ICE access to the Prisoner Transport Center,” he added. “That would be safer for law enforcement, the public, and even the criminals being apprehended.”

In a pointed section of the letter, White also called on the U.S. Attorney to publish the criminal histories of illegal immigrants arrested in recent ICE operations to dispel any illusions that these efforts are targeting innocents. “This will provide the public with the clarity necessary to avoid any confusion… confusion ironically exacerbated by a mayor demonizing federal law enforcement at every town hall he attends,” White said.

Keller’s latest “sanctuary hotline” is being slammed across social media, with many citizens expressing outrage. Comments under his post include: “Keller is pro-everything BUT America!” and “Don’t re-elect this Klown Tim.”

As crime surges and federal agents work to dismantle cartel-driven smuggling networks across New Mexico, White’s tough-on-crime approach is striking a chord with voters who are tired of radical policies that use taxpayer-funded police departments to protect lawbreakers.

“Mayor Keller is turning APD into a concierge service for illegal immigrants, not a law enforcement agency,” one voter commented.

With the mayoral race intensifying, White’s call for federal oversight may be a turning point, as New Mexicans decide whether to continue down Keller’s lawless path or return to a government that puts citizen safety first.

After Keller directs APD to shield criminal aliens, mayoral challenger fights back Read More »

‘Had to run’: Vasquez flees border wall question during press briefing

Far-left Democrat U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez is once again refusing to answer whether he supports extending the southern border wall near Sunland Park—this time around Mount Cristo Rey, a revered religious site known for its iconic 29-foot statue of Jesus.

The area has been labeled by U.S. Customs and Border Protection as “a major human smuggling infiltration site for the cartels,” highlighting growing concern over national security and human trafficking. But Vasquez—who has long opposed border enforcement efforts—won’t say where he stands.

According to a recent Source New Mexico article, Vasquez declined to comment when first asked about the wall extension. Then, during a subsequent virtual press briefing with New Mexico’s congressional delegation, Vasquez abruptly left before addressing a question submitted by The Santa Fe New Mexican asking if he supported or opposed the Cristo Rey wall extension.

Vasquez excused his departure by saying he “had to run,” deferring to his communications director Delaney Wehn, who was “on the chat” to field further questions. However, when the newspaper followed up, Wehn did not respond. Even after a second attempt this week, Wehn simply replied: “Thanks for following up here. Apologies, no answers for you at this time.”

The silence is deafening—especially from a congressman representing a border district during a time of record-breaking illegal crossings and cartel violence.

Vasquez’s refusal to answer isn’t surprising given his radical record on border security. In 2022, Vasquez called the existing U.S.-Mexico border wall a “racist political stunt” and said it was “not who we are as a country.” He has previously argued that “barriers and walls” only serve to “divide communities and perpetuate racism,” even as Border Patrol agents in his district struggle to contain daily waves of illegal crossings, drug smuggling, and human trafficking.

He has also openly opposed Title 42, the Trump-era policy that allowed for swift deportation of illegal immigrants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, Vasquez has advocated for expanded “pathways to citizenship” and broader asylum protections, aligning himself with the most extreme elements of the open-borders left.

Now, even as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”—a comprehensive legislative package that includes border security investments and increased funding for immigration enforcement agents—is under national debate, Vasquez won’t say whether he supports any of its border provisions.

Vasquez’s unwillingness to take a stand—on either the Cristo Rey wall extension or the broader border funding—shows a troubling pattern of dodging responsibility while his constituents face the real consequences of his inaction. But since Vasquez’s previous statements speak volumes, it’s a sure bet Vasquez remains as radically open-borders as before.

With New Mexico communities overwhelmed by cross-border crime and federal agents stretched thin, Vasquez’s silence speaks volumes.

‘Had to run’: Vasquez flees border wall question during press briefing Read More »

Lujan Grisham defends rioters attacking federal agents in Los Angeles

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is once again siding with criminality and chaos over law and order—this time, joining a coalition of Democrat governors condemning President Donald Trump’s deployment of California’s National Guard to restore order in Los Angeles. The statement, issued by the Democratic Governors Association (DGA), blasts Trump’s move as an “abuse of power” while ignoring the reality on the ground: federal agents are facing violent uprisings, including attacks from criminal illegal aliens and radical agitators, while attempting to enforce the law and uphold their constitutional duties.

As President Trump acts decisively to quell unrest and secure the streets, Lujan Grisham and her far-left colleagues have responded not with support for law enforcement but with partisan outrage. 

The DGA’s statement claims that deploying National Guard forces without a governor’s approval is “ineffective and dangerous,” and even goes as far as accusing the president of “undermining the mission of our service members.”

But critics say it’s Governor Lujan Grisham who is undermining public safety and the rule of law.

“The Democratic governors are defending the lawless. Every Democrat governor just endorsed lawlessness and chaos on American streets. Putting people’s lives at risk,” wrote the Republican Governors Association in a direct rebuke of the DGA’s statement.

Governor Lujan Grisham’s record speaks for itself. One of her very first acts in office back in 2019 was to remove National Guard troops from the southern border—signaling to both illegal immigrants and criminal cartels that New Mexico would no longer cooperate with federal efforts to secure the border. Her open-borders agenda has continued ever since.

In one of her most infamous political stunts, Lujan Grisham released a campaign ad in which she literally ran through a wall in an attempt to mock President Trump’s border security policies. The bizarre video was widely ridiculed but symbolized her ongoing hostility toward any serious effort to control illegal immigration.

She recently signed legislation to allow non-citizens to become law enforcers in New Mexico, as well as legislation to ban compliance with federal authorities acting to find criminal aliens present in the state.

Now, she’s extending that hostility to President Trump’s efforts to protect American communities from violent unrest.

Far-left Democrat Rep. Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico’s First Congressional District defended the illegal alien rioters, claiming they were the United States’ “own people,” which is false, and not acknowledging that the rioters were attacking federal authorities, requiring a federal response, as Democrat California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and other Democrat officials refused to stop the lawlessness.

Antifa, radicalized terrorist sympathizers, George Soros-linked groups, among others, helped organize the Los Angeles protest, according to multiple reports.

While President Trump is working to restore order in Los Angeles, where federal officers are under siege by violent mobs, including illegal aliens, Governor Lujan Grisham is busy penning statements of outrage, defending criminals, and undermining the brave men and women who are risking their lives to defend the public.

Her allegiance lies not with the citizens of New Mexico or the law-abiding residents of America’s cities, but with the radical fringe that seeks to dismantle law enforcement and sabotage efforts to restore peace.

As violent unrest spirals out of control, Americans are watching closely. And they will remember which leaders stood for order—and which ones, like Michelle Lujan Grisham, chose chaos.

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Santa Fe liberals panic as Curry County, ICE make power move

Curry County, New Mexico, has become the first law enforcement agency in the state to enter into a formal partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), taking a bold and much-needed stand in support of border security and the rule of law. Under a May 9 agreement, the Curry County Sheriff’s Office will participate in the federal Warrant Service Officer (WSO) program, allowing specially trained county jail staff to execute ICE-issued administrative immigration warrants.

This partnership, signed by Sheriff Mike Brockett and acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, marks a significant step forward in local-federal collaboration to remove criminal illegal aliens from communities. It comes at a time when open-borders rhetoric dominates New Mexico politics, and some progressive municipalities work actively to shield illegal immigrants from immigration enforcement.

“While our office routinely serves warrants on behalf of other law enforcement agencies, this specific agreement with [the Department of Homeland Security] is new,” Brockett explained. “Participating in the [WSO model] assists DHS in prioritizing the removal of noncitizens who pose a threat to our community due to their criminal behavior.”

Brockett emphasized that the agreement applies strictly within the county jail and actually reduces the need for ICE to conduct enforcement operations in the broader community. “Our participation in the program is limited to the confines of our jail and reduces the need for ICE to conduct arrests within the community,” he said, calling it a “common-sense tool.”

This partnership is a direct rebuke to the left-wing policies pushed by Attorney General Raúl Torrez and others in Santa Fe, who have warned against cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Torrez’s office issued a cautionary memo earlier this year, warning of increased costs and alleged erosion of community trust under such agreements.

But Brockett disagreed. “I disagree with the NM DOJ on their perspective regarding 287(g) programs,” he wrote, referencing the legal framework that allows for such cooperation between federal and local law enforcement. This framework was revived and strengthened under President Donald Trump’s renewed commitment to secure the southern border and enforce immigration law.

Curry County is participating in the lightest of the three 287(g) models, which allows local officers to assist ICE with warrant service and custody transfers — a narrow and practical form of assistance that enhances public safety without burdening officers with full immigration enforcement responsibilities.

Still, the far-left is up in arms. The ACLU’s Becca Sheff accused Curry County of choosing “politics over people” and criticized the agreement’s initial lack of publicity, despite it being listed on ICE’s database of pending agreements.

In reality, the outrage from leftist activists and politicians is about maintaining New Mexico’s sanctuary stronghold, which includes counties like Santa Fe, Doña Ana, and Bernalillo, all of which have passed resolutions limiting cooperation with ICE. These sanctuary policies have directly undermined public safety and shielded dangerous criminals from removal.

A prior ICE agreement with the New Mexico Corrections Department in 2007 authorized prison staff to engage in immigration enforcement, though the agency says it has no current plans to revive that effort.

Despite political pressure, Curry County is prioritizing safety and standing firm in its resolve. With over 600 active ICE-local partnerships nationwide, Curry County is now part of a growing network committed to restoring law and order in the wake of the Biden administration’s catastrophic border policies. President Trump’s leadership has revitalized these partnerships and empowered local agencies to act.

Their move is a model for other counties in New Mexico that are tired of being told to ignore federal law while illegal aliens with criminal records are released back into their neighborhoods.

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Vasquez brags about voting against ‘Laken Riley Act’ at town hall

New Mexico Democrat Rep. Gabe Vasquez is facing sharp criticism after touting his vote against the Laken Riley Act and attacking President Donald Trump’s immigration policies during an April 16 town hall event.

At the meeting, Vasquez proudly announced his opposition to the legislation, which was signed into law by Trump on January 29. “I did. I voted against [the bill],” Vasquez declared to cheers from the audience. He added, “Because due process is a fundamental part of who we are as Americans,” attempting to frame his opposition as a defense of constitutional rights — despite the clear public safety concerns the bill sought to address.

The Laken Riley Act was crafted following the brutal murder of 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley, who was killed while jogging in Athens, Georgia, by an illegal immigrant. The law requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain illegal aliens arrested or charged with violent crimes, closing dangerous loopholes in immigration enforcement.

Vasquez’s comments did not stop there. He went on to criticize Trump’s deportation policies, specifically lamenting the removal of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a suspected MS-13 gang member and illegal immigrant. Vasquez claimed the deportations are “testing and stretching the fabric of our democracy to a place we have never seen before,” suggesting that American citizens could someday face similar removal if Trump’s policies are allowed to continue.

Meanwhile, data released by DHS in March shows Trump’s administration has ramped up immigration enforcement, leading to a 627% increase in monthly arrests compared to the Biden administration’s lax record the year prior. Vasquez’s comments have been picked up in the national press, including by Fox News.

Republicans swiftly pushed back on Vasquez’s stance. Texas Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales, whose district includes the largest stretch of the U.S.-Mexico border, defended the Laken Riley Act, telling Fox News Digital, “Border security is a real and lasting issue as a result of four years of inaction under President Biden. That’s why Americans voted for safer communities and to restore law and order, and President Trump is delivering on that promise with legislation like the Laken Riley Act.”

National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) spokesman Zach Bannon also weighed in, slamming Vasquez’s repeated prioritization of illegal immigrants over American citizens. “Time and time again, out-of-touch Democrat Gabe Vasquez chooses to prioritize criminal illegal aliens over the well-being of hardworking New Mexicans,” Bannon said. “He’s completely abandoned common sense, pandering to the radical left while betraying the very people who will vote him out of office next year.”

Abrego Garcia, whom Vasquez defended, had been living in Maryland before his deportation to El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) — a facility built to house violent gang members. He was previously pulled over in an SUV tied to another illegal immigrant arrested for human smuggling.

Under Trump’s leadership, immigration enforcement is once again being taken seriously — a sharp contrast to Vasquez’s radical pro-illegal immigration stance.

With public outrage growing over crimes committed by illegal immigrants, Vasquez’s celebration of his vote against the Laken Riley Act may well become a major liability heading into the 2026 election cycle.

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U.S. military now authorized to detain criminal aliens in New Mexico

American troops now have the authority to detain and search immigrants lacking certain documentation in New Mexico, a role service members have not held before at the southern border, U.S. Northern Command (Northcom) said Monday.

Northcom said troops “have been delegated the authority” to conduct security support operations in the New Mexico National Defense Area, a zone that runs along the U.S.-Mexico border now considered part of the Army’s Fort Huachuca in Arizona.

The authorization means service members can now temporarily detain and search trespassers, provide medical assistance, and implement crowd control on the military-controlled land until appropriate law enforcement can take custody of an individual, according to a statement from Northcom, the command leading military efforts in the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration.

Service members also may assist with setting up temporary barriers, signage, and fencing if requested, Northcom said. 

“Through these enhanced authorities, U.S. Northern Command will ensure those who illegally trespass in the New Mexico National Defense Area are handed over to Customs and Border Protection or our other law enforcement partners,” Northcom Commander Gen. Gregory Guillot said in a statement. 

He added that Joint Task Force-Southern Border, the military task force charged with supporting border security, “will conduct enhanced detection and monitoring, which will include vehicle and foot patrols, rotary wing, and fixed surveillance site operations.”

The new authorization comes after President Trump on April 11 directed the control of the Roosevelt Reservation area in New Mexico be transferred from the Department of the Interior to the Defense Department for a period of three years to support Border Patrol.

The transfer, which made the strip of land part of an Army installation, effectively allows the administration to bypass a federal law that prohibits American troops from carrying out domestic law enforcement on U.S. soil.

The move is a significant shift in the military’s role at the border, with troops over the last several administrations only supporting law enforcement agencies and not meant to come into contact with individuals crossing the border.

Guillot last month told lawmakers that the 6,500 service members at the southern border were supporting Customs and Border Protection and “are not currently doing any detentions.”

But that is expected to change with Trump’s new authorization, with plans to increase the area within which troops can detain and search migrants. 

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on April 15 that the new national defense area spans more than 170 miles across the border in New Mexico and said “in the coming weeks, this administration will add more than 90 miles in the state of Texas.”

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MLG freaks out after reports of Trump plan for ‘buffer zone’ on NM border

President Donald Trump is reportedly advancing a proposal to establish a military-controlled buffer zone along the U.S.-Mexico border, with a specific focus on New Mexico.

The concept would effectively convert part of the border in New Mexico into a militarized zone, where soldiers could detain migrants who cross into the area, similar to how trespassers are handled on military bases.

The Washington Post reports that the plan has been under discussion for several weeks and would likely introduce additional legal challenges for individuals attempting to enter the U.S. unlawfully.

Under the proposal, the military zone would extend 60 feet deep along the border, placing it directly under military jurisdiction.

Far-left Democrat New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham responded Thursday, sharply criticizing the idea. “The president’s decision to create a deportation buffer zone along New Mexico’s border is a waste of resources and military personnel,” she stated.

Thus far, neither the Pentagon, the Department of Homeland Security, nor the White House has issued formal comments on the plan. However, an increased military presence has been observed at the border. The presence has resulted in the lowest number of illegal crossers, which is a stark contrast to the border under Joe Biden.

Video footage shows soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division out of Fort Carson, Colorado, arriving at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, for what has been described as a “border mission” in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security.

Elsewhere, former acting ICE director and current border czar Tom Homan joined Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and other officials in Florida for an immigration-focused event on Thursday.

Homan reiterated his belief that birthright citizenship fuels illegal immigration, urging the Supreme Court to revisit the issue. “I’m not a lawyer, but I can read, and I don’t think it’s clear that a child born in this country is automatically a U.S. citizen,” Homan remarked.

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Weeklong operation across NM leads to the arrest of 48 violent criminal aliens

​In a concerted effort to enhance public safety, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in collaboration with multiple federal agencies, conducted a weeklong enforcement operation culminating on March 8, 2025. This operation led to the apprehension of 48 individuals across three New Mexico cities: Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Roswell. 

The individuals targeted during this operation fell into two primary categories: those who had previously been ordered removed from the United States by an immigration judge and remained unlawfully and those charged or convicted of serious criminal offenses while residing illegally in the country. Notably, 20 of the arrested individuals had been arrested or convicted of serious criminal offenses, such as homicide, criminal sexual penetration, sexual assault, battery on a household member, aggravated battery, drug trafficking, burglary, forced entry, driving under the influence, and shoplifting. 

The operation was a collaborative effort involving several federal agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the U.S. Marshals Service. This multi-agency approach underscores the federal government’s commitment to addressing illegal immigration and enhancing public safety by removing individuals who pose significant threats to communities.​

Mary De Anda-Ybarra, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations El Paso Field Office Director, emphasized the importance of such collaborations, stating, “ICE is grateful for our federal partners’ assistance in taking egregious offenders off the streets and out of our communities.” She further highlighted that these arrests exemplify the type of criminals living among us and highlight ICE’s commitment to the agency’s primary mission of protecting public safety.

The operation’s outcomes reflect ICE’s ongoing efforts to prioritize the apprehension and removal of individuals who pose the greatest risks to national security, public safety, and border security. By focusing resources on those with serious criminal backgrounds and final orders of removal, ICE aims to uphold its mission of enforcing immigration laws while safeguarding communities.​

Routine enforcement actions, such as this operation, are part of ICE’s broader strategy to address illegal immigration and its associated challenges. The agency continues to conduct operations throughout the El Paso area of responsibility, which encompasses West Texas and the state of New Mexico, to identify and apprehend individuals who violate immigration laws and threaten public safety.

The collaborative nature of this operation highlights the effectiveness of interagency federal cooperation in addressing complex issues related to illegal immigration and criminal activity. By leveraging the expertise and resources of multiple federal agencies, the operation successfully identified and apprehended individuals who might have otherwise evaded detection, thereby enhancing the safety and security of communities across New Mexico.​

By targeting those with serious criminal histories and final orders of removal, the operation underscores the President Donald Trump administration’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and protecting public safety. Such collaborative efforts are essential in addressing the multifaceted challenges associated with illegal immigration and ensuring the well-being of communities nationwide.​

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In El Paso sector, illegal border crossings plummet to historic lows

In Sunland Park, New Mexico, a quiet stretch of the U.S.-Mexico border saw just one migrant crossing illegally in a span of four hours. The lone individual, a 23-year-old Mexican national named Jovani, was met by six federal agents who informed him he would be sent back to Mexico the same day, according to a report by the New York Post. This shows the border policies under President Donald Trump are working — and at a rapid pace.

The El Paso sector, which spans western Texas and New Mexico, has experienced a significant drop in illegal crossings, with fewer than 100 migrants being caught each day. This marks a sharp decline from the peak of 1,800 per day in 2023 and even a substantial reduction from the 277 apprehended daily in December. Across the entire southern border, the average number of daily apprehensions at the beginning of the month stood at 359, positioning the U.S. for what could be the lowest monthly illegal border crossings in over 25 years, according to leaked Customs and Border Protection data.

Border Patrol agent Orlando Marrero-Rubio emphasized the efficiency of current border enforcement, stating, “It doesn’t matter if it took you 30 days, 40 days, 60 days to make that illegal crossing, we’ll expedite removal and have you in your country of origin within hours.” Jovani, who had attempted to evade authorities by running through the rugged desert terrain after scaling the border wall, revealed that it was his second attempt to cross into the U.S. He had paid $7,000 to cartel-affiliated smugglers, commonly referred to as “coyotes,” to facilitate his journey.

Jovani, visibly disheartened, showed the wounds on his hands from descending the border wall. “I’m very sad because I couldn’t cross because I couldn’t get to where I wanted to go,” he admitted. “I’m worried about deportations because this is my second time crossing.”

According to Marrero-Rubio, Jovani’s grievances are common among many migrants. However, unlike under the previous administration’s “catch and release” policy, where migrants would often turn themselves in knowing they would likely be released with an immigration court date, the current enforcement approach has led to increased attempts to cross undetected. 

Under the Biden administration, Border Patrol agents were frequently occupied processing migrants rather than patrolling the border. Now, with the return of Trump-era policies, agents are back in full force, directly securing the border.

Border Patrol sources have described their past duties as resembling “babysitting,” as they often had to process individuals with criminal backgrounds, gang affiliations, or even terrorist connections, many of whom were subsequently released into the U.S. Now, with heightened enforcement, additional troops deployed, and the “catch and release” policy rescinded, agents feel a renewed sense of purpose. “It’s a relief for our agents, they don’t feel overwhelmed,” said Marrero-Rubio.

Two years ago, agents in the El Paso sector were detaining around 2,500 migrants daily. In recent weeks, that number has fallen to fewer than 100 per day. With more personnel and time available, Border Patrol and the military have worked to regain control of areas once dominated by cartel smugglers, such as Mount Cristo Rey in Sunland Park. The mountain, crowned with a towering statue of Jesus on the Cross, was previously a haven for smugglers who would evade capture by hiding in the rocky terrain and even assaulting agents with stones. The situation was similar just miles away, where hundreds of migrants had overwhelmed the border and clashed with authorities.

Today, that once-chaotic area is largely silent, reinforced with additional razor wire and patrols, including state law enforcement sent by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Border Patrol agent Claudio Herrera noted the shift in operations, stating, “Right now, with everything working out towards our favor, now we have more agents on the line doing what they’re assigned to do and looking out for making those apprehensions instead of processing.”

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Arrest warrants might just start flying at Dems in NM

New Mexico’s Democrat elected officials may soon find themselves in legal jeopardy for obstructing federal law enforcement efforts to protect the nation’s borders. An internal memo from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) indicates that state and local officials who interfere with immigration enforcement could face criminal prosecution.

The document makes it clear that federal prosecutors are being instructed to identify and potentially charge those who “threaten to impede” federal immigration actions. This could mean serious legal consequences for public officials in sanctuary cities like Santa Fe and Albuquerque, where local authorities have actively refused to cooperate with immigration enforcement.

“It’s hard on people when there is an atmosphere of fear and unknown action,” said Alan Webber, the mayor of Santa Fe. However, his city’s policies of shielding illegal immigrants from federal enforcement may now carry serious legal risks.

Mayor Webber admitted, “I don’t know any mayor is in a position, including me, to say that we are going to refuse to comply with the law. But I don’t know if we are required to assist with things that go beyond our legal responsibilities.”

The DOJ’s directive raises serious questions about whether officials like Webber and Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller could be subject to arrest warrants for their defiance of federal law. Keller, in a statement, seemed to double down on resistance:

“As your Mayor, I was elected to lead our city, not work for Donald Trump… APD officers will continue to arrest violent and repeat offenders, regardless of immigration status.”

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham also weighed in, appearing to reject the DOJ’s position, stating, “I expect New Mexico’s public officials to uphold the Constitution and their duties under law, and not be swayed or intimidated by politically motivated threats.”

New Mexico’s Attorney General, Raúl Torrez, dismissed the DOJ’s warning, calling it a distortion of the law and an attack on state and local officials. His position raises further concerns about whether he and other high-ranking state officials could be complicit in efforts to obstruct federal immigration enforcement.

Sam Bregman, the district attorney for Bernalillo County, took an even more defiant stance, outright refusing to cooperate with federal immigration efforts:

“In my roles as District Attorney as well as the Chairman of the OCC, I will continue to vigorously work with all agencies to go after criminals in our state. However, I will in no way assist with the recent executive orders involving immigration.”

These statements, combined with the DOJ’s new directive, highlight the increasing legal risks facing New Mexico’s Democrat officials. If they continue to shield illegal immigrants and block federal law enforcement from carrying out its duty, they could very well find themselves facing warrants for their arrests. The coming weeks may determine whether New Mexico’s leadership chooses to comply with federal law or risk legal action for their defiance.

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