Albuquerque took a bold step on July 21, 2025, when Mayor Tim Keller signed a sweeping executive order at City Hall, surrounded by immigrant advocates, city councilors, and state leaders. The order, which strengthens Albuquerque’s status as a city of refuge, sets strict limits on how city employees and police interact with federal immigration enforcement. This move comes as federal pressure on so-called “sanctuary” cities increases, and as local leaders seek to protect the city’s large immigrant and refugee population.
What the Executive Order Means for Albuquerque
The new executive order is one of the strongest local protections for immigrants and refugees in the United States 🇺🇸. It directs all city departments, including the police, not to help with civil immigration enforcement unless the law requires it. This means city workers and police officers cannot ask about or record anyone’s immigration status. They also cannot share information or resources with federal immigration agencies like ICE, unless they are legally forced to do so.
Mayor Keller explained the city’s position clearly: “We will not be complicit in anything that violates civil rights or destabilizes our community. This is about keeping people safe and ensuring everyone can report crimes or seek help without fear of immigration consequences.”
Key Provisions of the July 2025 Executive Order
The executive order contains several important rules that affect how the city interacts with immigrants and refugees:
- Police and city staff are not allowed to ask about or record immigration status. This protects residents from being singled out or profiled because of where they were born.
- City departments cannot help with federal civil immigration enforcement, including ICE, unless required by law. This includes refusing to share information or resources with federal agencies.
- Police must tell residents when immigration agents are present in the area. This increases transparency and helps people know what is happening in their neighborhoods.
- Expanded virtual access to city services. Immigrants and refugees can now use more city services online, which helps those who are afraid to visit government offices in person.
- Departments must identify and provide services for families affected by federal actions. This includes help with housing, healthcare, jobs, and education for families who are impacted by federal immigration enforcement.
Why Albuquerque Took Action Now
This executive order comes at a time of growing tension between local governments and federal immigration enforcement. In May 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14287, which threatens to punish “sanctuary” cities like Albuquerque by taking away federal funding and possibly charging local officials with crimes if they do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
Local leaders and immigrant rights groups in New Mexico have strongly opposed these federal threats. They argue that such actions are unconstitutional and would harm the community by making people afraid to report crimes or seek help.
City Councilor Joaquin Baca said, “The Mayor’s Executive Order is a first step – but we know lasting change requires more. We’re crafting enforceable legislation to ensure everyone feels safe in their neighborhoods.”
Upcoming Legislation to Make Protections Permanent
The Albuquerque City Council plans to introduce new legislation in August 2025 to make these protections permanent. This means that even if a new mayor takes office in the future, the rules will stay in place unless the City Council votes to change them. Council members and advocates want to make sure that immigrants and refugees can always feel safe in Albuquerque, no matter who is in charge.
Background: Albuquerque’s Long History of Welcoming Immigrants
Albuquerque has been known for its immigrant-friendly policies for many years. The city passed its first immigrant-friendly resolution in 2000. In 2018, the City Council declared Albuquerque a safe place for immigrants, refugees, people of color, Muslims, Jews, LGBTQ people, and people with disabilities. That resolution also barred city staff from helping federal immigration enforcement without a warrant.
The city’s Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs, created in 2016, leads efforts to support immigrants and refugees. The office works with community groups, provides information about rights and services, and makes sure the city follows its own rules about protecting residents.
Sonya Lara, Director of the Office of Equity and Inclusion, explained, “We identify ways the City can protect immigrant rights, collaborate with community partners, and ensure families have access to resources. Knowledge is power—know your rights.”
Statewide Changes: The Immigrant Safety Act
Albuquerque’s actions are part of a larger movement in New Mexico. In March 2025, the New Mexico House passed the Immigrant Safety Act (HB 9). This bill would:
- Stop state and local governments from making agreements to detain people for civil immigration violations.
- Block ICE from using local governments to avoid public scrutiny.
- Ban the use of public land and resources for immigration detention.
The bill was created after serious human rights concerns at New Mexico’s three immigration detention centers, including several deaths in custody since 2022. As of July 2025, the bill is waiting for approval in the state Senate.
How the Executive Order Changes Daily Life for Immigrants and Refugees
For many immigrants and refugees in Albuquerque, the new executive order brings real changes:
- Increased trust in local government and police. Residents can report crimes, ask for help, or use city services without worrying that their immigration status will be questioned or reported.
- No more questions about immigration status. City staff and police will not ask about or record anyone’s immigration status, which lowers the risk of profiling or targeting.
- Easier access to city services. More services are available online, so people who are afraid to visit city offices in person can still get help.
- Direct support for families affected by federal actions. The city will help families who are impacted by federal immigration enforcement, especially with housing, healthcare, and jobs.
Community and Law Enforcement Support
Albuquerque’s police chief, Harold Medina, has said that trust between the police and the community is essential. He stressed that the city’s public safety strategy will not be changed by federal immigration enforcement demands. This means police will focus on keeping everyone safe, not on enforcing federal immigration laws.
Community advocates and state legislators have praised Albuquerque’s leadership. They point out that immigrants contribute about $12 billion each year to New Mexico’s economy, making up 17% of the state’s total. In Albuquerque, immigrants own 16% of small businesses. These numbers show how important immigrants are to the city’s success.
Challenges from Federal Government
Despite strong local support, Albuquerque faces ongoing threats from the federal government. President Trump’s executive order in May 2025 tries to force cities like Albuquerque to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement by threatening to take away federal money and even charge local officials with crimes.
Local leaders and immigrant rights groups have called these threats unconstitutional. They argue that local governments have the right to decide how to keep their communities safe and that forcing cooperation with federal immigration enforcement would make people afraid to report crimes or use city services.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, Albuquerque’s approach is seen as a model for other cities facing similar federal pressure. The city’s leaders, advocates, and law enforcement officials are united in their commitment to protect immigrants and refugees.
How Immigrants and Refugees Can Get Help
The Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs is the main place for immigrants and refugees in Albuquerque to get information and support. The office works with local organizations, legal aid groups, and advocacy groups to make sure everyone knows their rights and can access services. Residents can find more information and contact the office through the City of Albuquerque’s official website.
Local advocacy organizations like El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos, ACLU of New Mexico, New Mexico Dream Team, and Innovation Law Lab also provide support, legal help, and information for immigrants and refugees.
What’s Next: Future Outlook for Albuquerque and New Mexico
The Albuquerque City Council’s planned legislation in August 2025 is expected to make the city’s protections for immigrants and refugees even stronger and more permanent. If the New Mexico Senate passes the Immigrant Safety Act, the whole state will have some of the strongest protections in the country against federal immigration detention practices.
New Mexico House passed the Immigrant Safety Act (HB 9)
President Trump issued Executive Order 14287
Mayor Tim Keller signed the executive order
Immigrant Safety Act waiting for approval in the state Senate
City Council plans to introduce new legislation
At the same time, federal threats are likely to continue. Local leaders in Albuquerque and across New Mexico say they will keep fighting for the rights of immigrants and refugees, both in court and through new laws.
What This Means for Other Cities
Albuquerque’s actions could inspire other cities across the United States 🇺🇸 to strengthen their own protections for immigrants and refugees. By showing that it is possible to stand up to federal pressure and still keep communities safe, Albuquerque is setting an example for others to follow.
Summary of Key Points
- Albuquerque’s July 2025 executive order is one of the strongest local protections for immigrants and refugees in the United States 🇺🇸.
- City staff and police cannot ask about or record immigration status and cannot help with federal civil immigration enforcement unless required by law.
- Expanded virtual access to city services makes it easier for immigrants and refugees to get help without fear.
- City Council legislation in August 2025 will aim to make these protections permanent.
- The Immigrant Safety Act could soon become law in New Mexico, further protecting communities from federal immigration detention practices.
- Local leaders, advocacy groups, and law enforcement are united in their support for immigrant protections and their opposition to federal threats.
- Resources and support are available through the Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs and local advocacy organizations.
Practical Steps for Immigrants and Refugees in Albuquerque
- Know your rights: The city will not ask about your immigration status or share your information with federal agencies unless required by law.
- Use city services: You can safely access city services, including many online options.
- Report crimes and seek help: You can contact the police or city staff without fear of immigration consequences.
- Contact the Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs: For help, information, or support, visit the official city website.
- Connect with local advocacy groups: Organizations like El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos and ACLU of New Mexico can provide legal help and information.
Where to Find More Information
For the latest updates on Albuquerque’s immigration policies, visit the City of Albuquerque’s Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs. You can also follow City Council meetings in August 2025 to learn about new legislation that will make these protections permanent.
Conclusion: Albuquerque’s Commitment to Immigrant Safety
Albuquerque’s new executive order and upcoming legislation show a strong commitment to protecting immigrants and refugees. By limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and expanding access to city services, the city is working to build trust and keep all residents safe. As federal threats continue, Albuquerque’s leaders, advocates, and law enforcement remain united in their support for immigrant communities. Their actions may serve as a guide for other cities facing similar challenges, showing that it is possible to protect everyone’s rights while keeping communities strong and safe.
Learn Today
Executive Order → A directive issued by a government official that manages operations and policies within their authority.
Sanctuary City → A city that limits cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect undocumented immigrants.
ICE → Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency enforcing immigration laws and detaining undocumented individuals.
Immigration Status → The legal classification of a person’s right to be in the country, such as citizen or visa holder.
Immigrant Safety Act → A New Mexico bill aiming to restrict cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and protect immigrant rights.
This Article in a Nutshell
Albuquerque strengthened immigrant protections in July 2025 with an executive order limiting police cooperation with ICE. It expanded virtual services and pledged support for impacted families. Facing federal threats, the city plans legislation to enshrine these protections permanently, leading the way for sanctuary cities nationally in immigrant rights and safety.
— By VisaVerge.com
