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Residents urge safer enforcement practices, request legal clinics after immigration‑related fears raised at Hobbs meeting
Summary
Several residents and community representatives used the March 3 public‑comment period to describe fear among immigrant families, urge that ICE not conduct operations in schools, workplaces or during traffic stops, and request clearer local legal information; the commission discussed organizing legal clinics and information sessions.
Speakers during the public‑comment period told the City Commission that recent immigration enforcement activity is producing fear and disrupting daily life for undocumented families and mixed‑status households in Hobbs.
An anonymous letter, read aloud by Kristen Fields, described a family of five that "arrived at Hobbs with a suitcase full of hope," and said the family's life has been replaced by "fear and anguish" because of concerns over immigration enforcement. The letter called on the commission to "make the best decision because so many of us depend on it," and emphasized fear of being stopped for routine matters such as traffic violations or taking children to parks or school.
Angelica Alvarado, speaking on behalf of local business owner Yadira Navarrete, urged the commission to oppose ICE operations in schools, workplaces and traffic stops. "Schools should be places where children feel safe to learn…When ICE enters schools, it creates an atmosphere of fear and anxiety," Alvarado said. She argued that workplace raids harm employees and businesses and that using traffic stops for immigration enforcement damages trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities.
Another public commenter, Kyler Graham, framed his remarks in broader terms of civil rights, saying the community must call "evil what it is" and fight for neighbors’ safety and dignity.
Commissioners and staff responded by acknowledging the concerns and discussing next steps. Mayor Cobb and City Manager Manny Gomez said the city would pursue legal‑information sessions; the manager and commissioners noted they have consulted local attorneys and planned to organize legal clinics or information sessions to provide residents with accurate information about rights and local procedures. "We would like to do some legal clinics/slash information sessions," a commissioner said, noting the goal of reducing fear caused by misinformation and ensuring access to accurate legal resources.
No formal policy or ordinance change was proposed or adopted at the meeting; commissioners described the planned clinics and information sessions as a staff‑directed outreach step to inform residents and connect them with legal resources.
