Community and Attorneys React to Recent ICE Raids in Albuquerque

Agents took at least one person from a southwest Albuquerque construction site in recent viral videos, drawing new attention to federal enforcement tactics across New Mexico.

KOB 4 reported that the footage captured Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel operating near Coors and Sage, where witnesses watched workers scatter and agents enter homes still under construction. Anna Bencomo, a neighborhood resident, told KOB 4 she felt concerned for community safety as people ran from the scene and drivers moved recklessly through the area.

The Department of Homeland Security has not responded to inquiries regarding that operation or a separate raid at El Dorado Bakery in Albuquerque. The visible enforcement actions arrive while broader federal immigration policies face scrutiny. On 60 Minutes, President Trump indicated a desire to work with Democrats on immigration and suggested his past policies may have been too tough, leaving the future scope of local raids undetermined.

ICE protest rally held in Albuquerque over recent immigration enforcement raids | LINK IN BIO pic.twitter.com/FqhxsSX3Hq

— Post by @koat7news on X

Meanwhile, legal advocates in Santa Fe are pressing state lawmakers to clarify how local agencies interact with federal authorities. Attorneys speaking before the state Courts, Corrections and Justice Committee explained that while state law prohibits formal 287(g) agreements between local law enforcement and ICE, it leaves room for informal communication.

Teague González of the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center told the committee that city, county, or state police face no legal barrier to informally calling federal agents.

It does not bar informal arrangements, it does not bar local, city or county police in any city or county in New Mexico from informally calling ICE, there is no law that prohibits that. — Teague González, New Mexico Immigrant Law Center

Attorneys are advocating for statewide policies to govern these informal channels. During the same committee hearing, Rep. John Block, R-N.M., questioned how a standardized policy might alter daily police operations. He asked whether local law enforcement would be prohibited from sharing information with ICE when dealing with individuals who have multiple DWI convictions and face new charges like aggravated battery.

The debate over local cooperation unfolds against a backdrop of sharply rising enforcement numbers. Immigration attorneys presented committee data showing that ICE arrests statewide totaled 20 in July 2024, compared to more than 700 arrests this past July.