'This is dividing our community': City Council votes 5-4 against changing immigrant-friendly ordinance

An amendment to Albuquerque’s immigrant-friendly ordinance had city councilors debating long into Monday night’s meeting.

Councilors voted 5-4 against it. Councilors Joaquín Baca, Tammy Fiebelkorn, Klarissa Peña, Nichole Rogers, and Louie Sanchez voted no.

For some, the amendment — which would allow local law enforcement to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers if someone is charged with drug or human trafficking or a violent felony — was a way to improve public safety.

For others, it was a measure that could make it difficult for immigrants to report crimes and potentially affect due process. Approximately 50 people came to the meeting to speak about the amendment.

“If we’re able to stop one, or two, or three people, that’s enough,” said Councilor Renée Grout, a sponsor of the bill.

In response to councilor questions, APD Deputy Chief Josh Brown said police would require additional staffing to comply with the amendment.

The immigrant-friendly ordinance was first passed in 2000.

The amendment was discussed ahead of the meeting at a vigil held by a group of dozens of activists outside of City Hall. Some speakers — including Speaker of the New Mexico House of Representatives Javier Martínez and Archbishop John C. Wester — commuted from Santa Fe to join the group protesting the amendment.

Some speakers said the amendment could defray trust between the police and immigrants in the city. Others said it could result in abusers threatening or making false allegations to control their victims, fearing deportation.

“We know firsthand that these proposed changes would have a devastating impact on immigrant domestic violence victims that would make them less inclined to report abuse,” said Matt Mirarchi, Director of Advancement at Enlace Comunitario, an organization that works with victims of domestic violence.

Sanchez said APD and the Mayor’s Office “need to be better at going after the bad guys,” and he understood the intent of the bill.

“But right now, this is dividing our community,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez raised concerns about APD sergeants making the determination and said a higher authority like a judge or district attorney should make the decision instead.

“When communities trust law enforcement, crime reporting goes up and criminals are held accountable,” said Mayor Tim Keller in a statement after the vote.

Activists take part in vigil outside Civic Plaza