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Emigration and immigration

Sanctuary City Debate Escalates as DHS Releases List of 23 New Mexico Counties and Cities

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released a list of 23 New Mexico counties and cities that it says are obstructing the enforcement of federal immigration laws. The list includes both rural and urban areas, highlighting the complex and contentious nature of the sanctuary city debate. The release of the list comes in response to President Donald Trump's executive order in April requiring the DHS to create such a list.

The cities of Albuquerque and Santa Fe, along with 23 of New Mexico's 33 counties, are included on the list. However, officials from these cities and counties are pushing back against the DHS's characterization of them as "sanctuary jurisdictions." They argue that their policies are focused on welcoming and protecting all members of their communities, regardless of immigration status. In fact, the City of Santa Fe has passed a resolution declaring itself a welcoming city for immigrants and refugees, and Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller has emphasized that the city's policies are focused on public safety and community well-being.

Civil rights and immigration organizations are also speaking out against the release of the list, arguing that it will have a devastating impact on New Mexico communities and economy. They point out that labeling sanctuary policies as "lawless insurrection" is not only inflammatory but also legally baseless. Instead, they advocate for policies that promote public safety, safeguard civil rights, and recognize the contributions of immigrant communities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released a list of 23 New Mexico counties and cities that it says are obstructing the enforcement of federal immigration laws.
  • The list includes both rural and urban areas, highlighting the complex and contentious nature of the sanctuary city debate.
  • Officials from the cities and counties listed are pushing back against the DHS's characterization, arguing that their policies are focused on welcoming and protecting all members.
  • The City of Santa Fe has passed a resolution declaring itself a welcoming city for immigrants and refugees, and Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller has emphasized that the city's policies are focused on public safety and community well-being.
  • Civil rights and immigration organizations are speaking out against the release of the list, arguing that it will have a devastating impact on New Mexico communities and economy.
  • Organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center argue that labeling sanctuary policies as "lawless insurrection" is not only inflammatory but also legally baseless.

Statistics:

  • 23 New Mexico counties and cities are included on the DHS list.
  • The list includes 33 counties in total, with 10 counties not listed as sanctuary jurisdictions.
  • The cities of Albuquerque and Santa Fe are included on the list.
  • 1999: The City of Santa Fe passed a resolution declaring itself a welcoming city for immigrants and refugees.
  • 2017: The City of Santa Fe reaffirmed its resolution, continuing to declare itself a welcoming city for immigrants and refugees.

Sources:

  • DHS: "Sanctuary Jurisdictions" (https://www.dhs.gov/sanctuary-jurisdictions)
  • White House: "Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens" (https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/protecting-american-communities-from-criminal-aliens/)
  • Source New Mexico: "Trump orders list of ‘sanctuary cities' to target for funding freeze" (https://sourcenm.com/2025/04/28/repub/trump-orders-list-of-sanctuary-cities-to-target-for-funding-freeze/#?secret=haHv8gjbSf#?secret=fHzszknjdI)
  • Source New Mexico: "Sanctuary studies" (https://sourcenm.com/2025/05/12/sanctuary-studies/embed/#?secret=7s4mhiNukV#?secret=LSwivQB3eR)

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