Mexico Consulate, New Mexico workforce department strengthen immigrant labor rights partnership

Two governmental entities are partnering to protect and promote labor rights for Mexican nationals and immigrants in New Mexico.

The heads of the Consulate of Mexico in Albuquerque and the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions met on Tuesday to sign a memorandum of understanding, laying out an agreement to broaden awareness of labor rights and access to resources for Mexican workers in the state.

The agreement does not change any laws but formalizes a partnership between two entities that have been working together for years, Patricia Pinzón, the head consul of Mexico in Albuquerque, said on Tuesday.

“We are proud of this partnership with a State that respects the rights of migrants and promotes their access to justice, regardless of any condition,” Pinzón said in a statement.

NMDWS Cabinet Secretary Sarita Nair added in a statement, “Today’s MOU reaffirms our shared commitment with the Consulate to ensure all workers are treated fairly and have the opportunity to thrive in the workforce.”

The partnership comes amid increasing uncertainty within immigrant communities across the nation as the Trump administration has ramped up its deportation efforts. And it follows the administration’s listing of Albuquerque as a sanctuary city, a move that could increase the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

“Many people who may be in violation of their labor rights do not report because of fear (and) their immigration situation,” Pinzón told the Journal.

The agreement, good for two years, outlines a commitment from both governments to train Consulate staff on the application of labor laws in New Mexico, refer Mexican workers and nationals to each entity’s resources, and make educational materials on labor rights, employer obligations and resources available to the community in both English and Spanish.

Nair said the partnership helps the entities reach people “who might otherwise not have come forward” and leads to more “victories” for Mexican workers seeking fair wages.

It is estimated that one in every eight workers in New Mexico is an immigrant, and there are more than 700,000 New Mexicans who identify as having Mexican heritage, Nair said on Tuesday.

Republican Party of New Mexico Chair Amy Barela on Wednesday acknowledged the role of immigrant labor, but believes the state should “protect and advance the interests of New Mexicans first.”

“Too many of our citizens are still struggling to find stable employment, build careers, and provide for their families,” Barela said. “Our focus should be on job creation, workforce development, and training programs that uplift New Mexicans — not on expanding agreements that encourage dependency on foreign labor.”

Following the signing of the agreement, the Consulate held a community forum in which legal experts, NMDWS and city officials, and local organizations shared insights and answered questions from business owners, workers and families.

Hilaria Martínez with the National Domestic Workers Alliance concluded the forum with this message: While fear exists, so do resources. Information is power, she said in Spanish, encouraging everyone to access the tools available to them.

Pinzón agreed, adding, “It’s a crime not using those free services.”