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Council adjourns for dinner break
The City Council has adjourned for a 30-minute dinner break and will return at 7:30 p.m.
Former City Council candidate demands immigrant protections, addresses former opponent during public comment
Teresa Garcia, who narrowly lost the election for City Council's District 3 seat, addressed the council and her former opponent, now Council President Klarissa Peña during public comment. Garcia called on the council to take a stand against federal immigration enforcement and enact legislation similar to what Bernalillo County passed in November. That ordinance made hospitals, schools, courthouses, churches and worksites off-limits to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents without warrants in Bernalillo County.
"Councilor Peña, you represent District 3 – where is your advocacy for the people that you serve?" Garcia said. "Many of (those constituents) are immigrants, mixed-status families and workers who deserve dignity and protection."
Council returns from closed session
The City Council returned from closed session around 6 p.m. and are now listening to presentations by city staff about various programs. The Albuquerque Police Department began the presentations by discussing their Police Service Aides programs.
City Council left dais to enter closed session
The City Council has left their post at the dais to enter closed session. As per transparency laws, the council has limited opportunities to discuss matters away from the public's eye. One of those reasons is to talk about ongoing lawsuits and utilize attorney-client privilege, which the council unanimously invoked at tonight's meeting.