Taos residents urge council to strengthen immigrant‑protection measures after nationwide enforcement actions

At a packed Town Council meeting on Jan. 27, dozens of Taos residents urged the council to adopt stronger, enforceable policies to protect immigrants and protesters from aggressive federal enforcement tactics. Speakers said the town should bar Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from public facilities without judicial warrants, limit local cooperation with federal agents, and expand training and procedures for town staff.

The appeals came during the citizens forum, when community members, many representing Taos Immigrant Allies, Taos United and other local groups, recounted encounters they said demonstrate an urgent need for local protections. "We need immigration practices that are humane," said Jeannie Timber, a Taos resident. Beatrice Balsamo, who identified herself with Taos Immigrant Allies, asked the council for "a more concrete policy or ordinance with teeth" to keep federal immigration agents out of parks, libraries and town facilities without a judicial warrant.

Supporters framed their requests as protection of civil rights and community safety. "When federal agents bypass law enforcement and terrorize our residents, they undermine the domestic tranquility you are sworn to uphold," said Dan Green, a resident who urged the council to pass a resolution reaffirming First Amendment protections and demand transparency from federal agencies operating nearby. Several speakers referenced the recent deaths of protesters and detainees in other cities as a reason to act pre‑emptively.

Other speakers asked the council to be cautious and legally precise. Tanya Sumner, who described herself as urging "clarity, balance, and public safety," recommended time, place and manner rules for demonstrations and warned against mandates that could place Taos officers in legal conflict. Monica Tafoya, a local business owner, warned that loud, confrontational protests could draw the attention of federal agents and harm local commerce.

Several residents also raised concerns about selective enforcement by town code enforcement officers, citing citations issued to protesters at a daily “pop‑up” demonstration. "If code enforcement is surveilling protests that are otherwise nonviolent, that chills free speech," said a speaker who asked the council to review the enforcement actions and the underlying calls for service.

Town officials acknowledged the range of views and the limits of local authority over federal immigration enforcement. Clerk Denise Martinez and other staff pointed to an existing 2018 immigrant‑friendly resolution and told the council the town has options for updating or expanding local protections. Several residents and organizations, including Sin Fronteras and others, said they have draft language and asked to collaborate with the council and legal staff on a proposed ordinance.

Mayor Barone said staff and the police chief are working on a resolution and that the council would consider bringing a draft forward at an upcoming meeting. The council did not vote on a new immigration ordinance at this session; speakers and some council members said any measure should be carefully written to avoid unintended legal or fiscal consequences.

The town manager and legal staff noted statutory notice and intergovernmental constraints; one submitted letter to the clerk warned that content‑based restrictions on speech can trigger litigation risk if the council attempts to regulate profanity on signs. A number of residents urged that the council nevertheless act swiftly to protect vulnerable neighbors. The council asked staff to follow up with community groups that offered draft language and to return with options for consideration at a future meeting.