Senate panel advances bill barring local enforcement from aiding federal immigration arrests

Senate Bill 250, a measure limiting state and local collaboration with federal immigration enforcement, advanced from the Senate Judiciary Committee on a committee substitute after discussion Wednesday.

Sponsor Sen. Maestas told the committee SB250 would prohibit the use of public funds, personnel, property, equipment or other resources for the purpose of identifying, detecting, apprehending, arresting, detaining, or prolonging the detention of someone suspected of being unlawfully present in the United States. "Every hour an officer spends on immigration checks is an hour lost to investigating burglaries, responding to impaired drivers or investigating homicides," Maestas said.

Supporters stressed public safety and trust. Mary Ellen Garcia, CEO of the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence, testified that survivors and immigrant families need to be able to call police without fear of immigration consequences. Organizer Ermila (Amia) Sotelo described instances in rural counties where traffic stops led to detentions by federal immigration authorities and said SB250 would help ensure residents cooperate with police.

Opponents — including Sen. Thornton — framed the bill as a repudiation of federal enforcement and warned it could hinder investigations into trafficking and drug crimes. Thornton also raised the effect of repealing or altering references to older federal assistance statutes, and asked whether changes would remove helpful cooperation tools. Supporters responded that the bill targets only field policing duties and not federal detention in prisons or county jails, and that the Federal Law Enforcement Assistance Act of 1965 is obsolete and largely superseded by later federal statutes.

After debate and public testimony, the committee recorded a vote on the committee substitute and approved SB250 to advance. Committee members said they expect additional drafting and technical cleanup as the bill moves forward.

Why it matters: Sponsors say the measure is aimed at refocusing scarce local police resources on violent crime and routine public-safety work and rebuilding trust with immigrant communities so victims and witnesses will report crimes.

What’s next: The bill proceeds from the Judiciary Committee; additional amendments are expected as it moves through the legislative process.