Bernalillo County officials, alongside community, business, and faith leaders, have announced two new measures aimed at improving safety and trust for all residents. The announcement took place during a news conference held this morning.
The first measure is an administrative resolution that builds on the county’s commitment to transparency, public safety, and protection of due process for all residents, regardless of immigration status. This policy, which has been in place since 1991, will now be expanded. The resolution states that local resources will not be used to assist in federal immigration enforcement except where required by law. It also calls for increased accountability from immigration authorities and directs county leaders to continue supporting families affected by immigration actions through outreach, education, and access to services.
“Bernalillo County has a long tradition of standing up for fairness, safety and the rights of all who call this community home,” said Bernalillo County Commissioner Barbara Baca (D1). “These measures build on that history by ensuring every resident, no matter their background, can access services and public places without fear.”
The second measure is the Safer Community Places Ordinance. This ordinance would formally designate locations such as schools, hospitals, places of worship, and shelters as protected areas. Immigration enforcement would not be allowed in non-public areas of these locations without a valid judicial warrant. The ordinance also instructs the county to train staff, post clear signage in county buildings, and work with community organizations and businesses to promote understanding of the distinction between public and private spaces.
“Bernalillo County has long been a place where people from every walk of life come together. Our rich mix of cultures, languages, and traditions, our diversity is not new…it’s our foundation,” said Bernalillo County Commission Vice Chair Adriann Barboa (D3). “I am proud to continue our legacy through these two important measures: a resolution upholding the dignity and due process rights of all residents, and an ordinance establishing safer community places for all our neighbors, regardless of race, gender, sexuality or immigration status. This is us, in New Mexico, we don’t turn our backs on our neighbors.”
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller expressed support for the county’s actions. “The city stands with the county to keep families together and efforts like this make sure all families feel safe in Bernalillo County,” he said.
Community organizations emphasized the need for trust and safety. Rosa Dorado from El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos said, “At a time when hardworking Burqueños are struggling, the Trump administration is cutting safety net benefits such as Medicaid and instead investing billions in a terrifying vision of mass deportation. This is not only inhumane but it is bad economic policy to target the small business owners, taxpayers, and essential workers who are the cornerstone of our local economy. These proposals are common sense steps to keep families together, promote public safety, protect constitutional rights, and protect our economy.”
Sara Yvonne “Bonnie” Escobar, Executive Director of Enlace Comunitario, spoke about the specific challenges faced by immigrant survivors of domestic violence. “We know that immigrant domestic violence survivors face even more barriers to attaining safety for themselves and their children,” she said. “Enlace Comunitario supports requiring a judicial warrant to enter private spaces, anywhere that the public cannot enter, such as hospitals, schools, places of worship, and domestic violence and sexual assault providers. Local immigrant-friendly policies enhance protective factors for survivors of violence and increase safety and security for all residents.”
Aurora Arreola of the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center highlighted immigrants’ broader contributions: “Immigrants are a vital part of New Mexico’s identity and success. We are workers, educators, and entrepreneurs who strengthen every aspect of our state. Our contributions fuel innovation, sustain local businesses, and keep our economy thriving.”
The ordinance and resolution will be formally introduced at the October 14 Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners meeting. After introduction, the ordinance will follow standard procedures including public comment, potential amendments, and a commission vote. The resolution will be considered for adoption at the same meeting.
This announcement comes amid ongoing concerns about public safety in Bernalillo County. Recently, there have been frustrations from the District Attorney’s office over suspects violating GPS monitoring rules after being released before trial. In one case reported by KRQE, an individual accused of aggravated assault was released despite objections from prosecutors.
