Albuquerque, New Mexico Mayor Tim Keller has issued an executive order on Monday to resist President Donald Trump’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforcement, framing the action as a commitment to protecting immigrant rights and ensuring due process. In a statement accompanying the order, Keller affirmed his city’s stance against federal policies that he described as harmful, emphasizing the city’s unwavering dedication to civil rights and public safety.
The executive order outlines several key measures, including a prohibition on city departments and employees from using city resources to assist in federal immigration enforcement, such as raids, detentions, or information-sharing, except when legally required. Additionally, it requires city departments to report any ICE activities at city facilities, prohibit staff from supporting secret ICE operations, and mandate that ICE officers clearly identify themselves in public areas. These steps aim to safeguard residents from the perceived negative impacts of federal immigration actions.
Keller’s order also mandates that city departments identify and expand services for families affected by federal immigration actions, focusing on areas such as housing, healthcare, employment, and education. He emphasized the importance of virtual access to these services to ensure safe interaction with government systems, underscoring the city’s commitment to supporting all residents regardless of immigration status. Keller pointed out that immigrants contribute significantly to New Mexico’s economy, generating $12 billion annually and representing 16% of Albuquerque’s small businesses, further reinforcing the city’s stance on protecting immigrant rights.
The mayor also announced that city councilors are planning to introduce legislation to codify the executive order into law once they return from recess. In a statement to Fox News Digital, a spokesperson for Keller reiterated the city’s efforts to partner with community organizations to provide assistance in areas such as housing, healthcare, employment, and education to those impacted by federal immigration actions. The spokesperson emphasized that the city does not inquire about immigration status when offering assistance, further highlighting its inclusive approach.
Other mayors, such as Nashville’s Freddie O’Connell and Los Angeles’ Karen Bass, have also taken similar steps, signing executive orders or joining lawsuits to oppose ICE raids. O’Connell’s order, which required city departments to report federal immigration communications to the city’s Office of New Americans, has drawn congressional scrutiny, as he has been accused of blocking immigration authorities. Bass, on the other hand, has been vocal in her opposition to federal immigration enforcement measures, recently joining a lawsuit to halt ICE raids in her city.