New Mexico
A high-level overview of immigration enforcement activity, school protection policies, and resources for families and educators in New Mexico.
Overview
State context
New Mexico has strong state and local protections for immigrant communities. The state has no statewide mandate for immigration enforcement cooperation and has generally maintained a non-cooperative stance. Santa Fe has been a sanctuary city for decades. Albuquerque has strong local protections. The state's long history of cultural diversity shapes its approach.
ICE activity
ICE is active in New Mexico given its border location, particularly in Doña Ana County (Las Cruces area) and in Albuquerque. Border Patrol has a significant presence in the southern part of the state. Interior enforcement operations are active.
School policies
Albuquerque Public Schools and Santa Fe Public Schools have adopted policies limiting cooperation with immigration enforcement. The state has not enacted formal school-specific legislation, but the cooperative political environment facilitates protective district-level policies.
Notes for advocates
New Mexico's long history as a border state with deep Spanish, Indigenous, and Mexican cultural roots gives immigration policy a distinctive character. The state has a significant undocumented population and many multigenerational mixed-status families. Las Cruces schools serve students in a heavily affected border community.
Is your district protected?
Find out whether your school district has a warrant-based policy in place, and what you can do if it doesn't.