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Santa Fe County commissioners adopt resolution affirming support for immigrant residents
Summary
The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution affirming the county—9s commitment to the safety, health and dignity of immigrants, directing training and community coordination and acknowledging immigrant contributions to the local economy.
The Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution declaring the county—9s commitment to upholding the safety, health and dignity of all residents regardless of immigration status.
Commissioner Lisa Kakari Stone introduced the resolution at the Feb. 11 meeting, citing recent federal executive actions and statements by state leaders and urging local steps to reassure residents. The resolution notes statements from the New Mexico attorney general and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham that state and local agencies are not required to enhance civil immigration enforcement initiated by the federal government.
County staff described existing programs that would help carry out the resolution. Anne Ryan of the county—9s Community Services Department highlighted the county—9s CONNECT network of roughly 80 nonprofits and agencies that provide public health and social services regardless of immigration status and said some providers have reported a spike in missed appointments since January. Warden Williams and Sheriff Johnson stated county detention policy does not honor civil immigration detainers and said the sheriff—9s office supports the resolution while emphasizing the agency will continue to pursue violent felons through appropriate jurisdictions.
Speakers at the meeting included community groups that urged passage. Miles Tokunow, executive director of the Santa Fe Dreamers Project, called for the commission to pass the resolution as a public-safety measure that lets all residents seek help and services. Miguel Acosta of Earthcare and Stacy Freyman Meyer of Las Cumbres Community Services also spoke in support and described fear among immigrant families that can deter people from seeking medical and maternal care.
Commissioners debated a friendly amendment to broaden the resolution—9s language to explicitly acknowledge immigrants from outside the Americas; the board agreed on the amendment and inserted the word "international" into the first paragraph. Commissioner Kakari Stone moved to adopt the resolution; Commissioner Justin Green seconded. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
Why it matters: County officials said the measure is intended to protect public health and maintain access to services by reducing fear among immigrant and mixed-status families. Staff emphasized that the resolution builds on earlier county actions and asks departments to coordinate training and outreach.
What the resolution does and next steps: The resolution affirms county policy not to hold people on civil immigration detainers at the county detention facility, directs staff to develop employee training and a community action team, and requests coordination with local providers. The county attorney and manager will work with staff and community partners to implement the steps outlined and return as needed with budget or program proposals.
