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Former City Council candidate demands immigrant protections, addresses former opponent during public comment

Gillian Barkhurst
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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."

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