ICE Raids Southwest Albuquerque and Santa Fe Hearings Raise Questions

Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained individuals at a construction site and a bakery in Albuquerque last week, according to local witnesses and video footage. The actions have drawn renewed attention to how federal and local law enforcement interact in New Mexico.

Resident Anna Bencomo lives near the intersection of Coors and Sage in southwest Albuquerque. She stated that nearly 10 ICE vehicles entered the neighborhood. Bencomo said some construction workers ran, while others entered homes that were still under construction. Agents arrested several of the workers. Bencomo expressed concern for community safety, citing reckless driving by both agents and those fleeing. She noted that the situation felt unsafe for people in the surrounding area.

The Department of Homeland Security has not yet responded to requests for details regarding the raids at the construction site and El Dorado Bakery in Albuquerque. The agency also did not provide immediate clarification on the scope of the operations.

In Santa Fe, attorneys representing immigrants’ rights groups briefed the state Courts, Corrections and Justice Committee last week. They explained that state law prohibits formal agreements between local law enforcement agencies and ICE. However, the law does not prevent informal cooperation between the groups. Teague González of the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center stated that no law stops city or county police from informally calling ICE.

The attorneys are currently advocating for statewide policies to define how local agencies should work with the federal government. Rep. John Block, R-N.M., asked what impact new policies would have on local police. He cited a hypothetical scenario involving a suspect with multiple DWI convictions who is arrested for aggravated battery. Block questioned whether new rules would prevent state, county, or city law enforcement from releasing information to ICE in such cases.

During the hearing, the attorneys provided data on enforcement volume. They reported that there were 20 ICE arrests statewide in July 2024. The number rose to more than 700 in July of this year.

President Trump recently told the program 60 Minutes that he wants to work with Democrats on immigration. He suggested his current policies may have been too tough. It is currently undetermined how that statement will affect raids in New Mexico.