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Candidates split on local role on immigration, unite on protecting residents and rights
Summary
At the District 2 forum candidates largely supported protecting immigrant rights and providing education and resources; some emphasized law and federal responsibility while others urged sanctuary‑oriented protections and local outreach.
Candidates addressed what role the city should play on immigration, offering a mix of legal, educational and enforcement‑boundary perspectives.
Cam Crawford said Santa Fe should "stand up for our immigrant tradition" and work to keep Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) out of schools, adding he would "work with our district attorney to prosecute ICE if they do come here and break the law." Paul Bustamante described Santa Fe as a sanctuary city and recommended educating residents on their rights and recognizing limits on enforcement in private and public spaces.
Berl Brechner and Mary Jo Metzger framed the topic as a difficult mix of legal and humanitarian concerns: Brechner distinguished between legal and illegal immigration and urged respectful, security‑minded responses; Metzger backed education and protections while rejecting open borders. Leroy Trujillo raised concerns about vetting and argued for selectively attracting skilled migrants to fill local workforce needs.
Candidates proposed local actions such as providing information and legal resources, educating residents about warrants and rights, and coordinating with federal and state authorities. No city policy was adopted at the forum; candidates described differing emphases between protection and security.
