Defend ABQ
Information on the funding threats we’re facing, the City's response, and how you can help.
No matter the challenge, we remain committed to defending our community.
This is our city. This is our fight. Together, let’s protect what matters most.
Federal policies under the Trump administration threaten critical programs and resources that support our community:
- More than $200 million in federal grants including early childhood development programs, funding for officers to keep streets safe, and sexual assault testing kits.
- Cuts to public safety for police, fire, and emergency response.
- Housing and homeless support and essential housing programs including $25 million for 400 units at Uptown.
- Infrastructure Grants for City projects are in jeopardy including housing, bike trails, pedestrian safety, and road safety and development.
The following will be updated as we gather real-time information.
Immigration Protections Adaptation and summary of the Immigration Hub Mayor's Executive Orders Threats Facing the City How We're Fighting Back Critical Collaborations How You Can Help Defend ABQ News
- The Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs was established in 2016, with support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, to coordinate efforts to better serve immigrant and refugee residents.
- Mayor Keller signs Immigrant Friendly Resolution in 2017 - The resolution reiterates the city’s policies that prevent federal immigration officials from entering city-operated areas, restrict city employees from collecting immigration status information, and prohibit local tax dollars from being spent on federal immigration law enforcement.
City of Albuquerque’s Immigrant Friendly Ordinance.
The City of Albuquerque has a non-disclosure policy to protect immigrant communities. That means that when the Trump administration demands information on community members immigration status, the City has nothing to share. People should never feel afraid to access City services, whether going to the library or calling the police for help, because of their immigration status. Albuquerque’s protections ensure that no City resources or personnel can be used as part of the Trump administrations mass deportation efforts.
No City entity, including the Albuquerque Police Department, can collect information regarding the citizenship or immigration status of any individual.
- Except as required by law to determine eligibility for a federal or state program administered by the City.
- Except to determine eligibility for City employment.
City employees cannot disclose any personal information about any person they learned as part of their work for the City of Albuquerque.
- Personal information includes: SSN; tax ID numbers; place and date of birth; status as recipient of public assistance or as a crime victim; custody release date; home address; sexual orientation; disability status; religion; national origin.
- Except in order to provide a city service or carry out a function of government.
- Except in response to an IPRA request where information is not exempted.
- Except when otherwise compelled by law.
City entities cannot use City resources to facilitate the investigation, detection, apprehension, or detention of an individual based on real or perceived immigration status.
- City resources include, but are not limited to: moneys; equipment; personnel; and facilities.
The City shall refuse access to all non-public areas of City property by federal immigration agents who do not present a judicial warrant.
- Non-public areas of the City include but is not limited to the Prisoner Transport Center.
All persons who live within the City should have full access to all City services with respect and dignity regardless of their race, disability, national origin, gender identity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and economic and immigration status.
Resources
- Know your rights
- Everyone has basic rights under the U.S. Constitution and civil rights laws. Learn more here about what your rights are, how to exercise them, and what to do when your rights are violated.
- Independientemente de su estatus migratorio, usted tiene derechos garantizados por la Constitución. Aprende más aquí sobre sus derechos como inmigrante y cómo expresarlos.
- Community resources
- City of Albuquerque is also hosting a series of webinars for individuals and community groups.
- An overview of immigration policies and how they affect our community.
- Worker and tenant rights, ensuring fair treatment in the workplace and rental spaces.
- Best practices for ICE interactions.
- Resources and support available to individuals and community members.
- Expert panelists from advocacy, community, and faith-based organizations.
- Immigration Defense Hotline - Immigrants and refugees can access support through various organizations and services, including the City of Albuquerque's Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs (OIRA) and the 211 Helpline.
- Aid for Asylum Seekers - Our close proximity to the border means that Albuquerque is an important crossroads for immigrants and refugees who are legally seeking asylum.
- Language Access Services - The top languages in our community outside of English include: Spanish, Vietnamese, Swahili, Mandarin, Arabic, American Sign Language, Navajo, Kinyarwanda, Farsi, and Dari.
Directive on Sensitive Locations
Date: Jan. 21, 2025; March 2025
What it Does
Grants ICE permission to conduct arrests in sensitive locations like churches, schools, hospitals and grocery stores.
Enforcement Actions in or Near Places of Worship — Injunction (March 2025)
City/OEI/OIRA Activities
Seven Know your rights workshops on the following topics:
- Understanding Rights & Protections for Community Members - English Recording
- Comprensión de los derechos y protecciones de los miembros de la comunidad- Ggrabación en Español (viene próximamente)
- Immigration & Your Business - English Recording
- Estrategias practicas para pequeñas empresas e inmigración - Grabación en Español (viene próximamente)
- Who to Call - English Recording
- A Quien Llamar - Grabación en Español
- Who to Call (2nd session) - English Recording
- A Quien Llamar (seminario 2) - Grabación indisponible (temas tratados aquí)
- Community Care: Know your Rights for Faith Leaders - English Recording
- Atención comunitaria: Conozca sus derechos para líderes religiosos - Grabación en Español
Resources
- DHS Directive Enforcement Actions in or Near Protected Areas
- Immigration tracking policy project
- The OIRA page has information and resources about immigrant rights
Memo on Prosecuting State/Local Officials
Date: Jan. 22, 2025
What it Does
Memo threatens local leaders who resist federal overreach with prosecution and arrest. It also says that federal prosecutors who decline to prosecute immigration cases will be reported immediately to the DOJ for investigation and potential prosecution.
City/OEI/OIRA Activities
The Mayor’s Office, and OEI developed a messaging campaign called Defend Albuquerque.
Multiple social media posts, videos, press conferences, and information has been shared with community members in an ongoing basis.
Resources
- Office of Equity and Inclusion Facebook page
- Mayor Tim Keller Facebook page
- OEI Newsletter, OIRA Email thread
Ending Birthright Citizenship
“Protecting the Meaning of American Citizenship”
Date: Jan 20, 2025
What it Does
This provision in the E.O. intends to revoke birthright citizenship, a right guaranteed by the Constitution. The order requires Department heads to implement the order through agency action.
Update 1/24: A federal judge has temporarily blocked Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship.
Update in NM: A federal lawsuit filed earlier this year by New Mexico and other states provides New Mexicans with at least temporary protection from President Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship, state officials said this week.
Update 6/25: Supreme Court Decision on Birthright Citizenship
This ruling did not decide whether the President’s actions to stop automatically granting citizenship to babies born in the U.S. is constitutional. This decision limits a lower court’s ability to block presidential actions through “nationwide injunctions”, like the one we saw implemented on Birthright Citizenship.
Unless blocked by local lawsuits. The order is set to take effect on Sunday, July 27, 2025. If not stopped, this could result in uneven application of the law, where babies born under the same circumstances are treated differently depending on the state.
City/OEI/OIRA Activities
The OIRA participated in National, Regional, and Local meetings with different groups of stakeholders to receive presentations from policy analysts about the consequences of ending Birthright Citizenship.
Such as Cities for Action, Cities for Citizenship, Refugee Hub – Power Hour.
Resources
- Birthright Citizenship | American Immigration Council
- ACLU Sues Trump | ACLU’s Briefing on Birthright Citizenship
Military Deployment
“Clarifying the Military’s Role…”
Date: Jan. 20, 2025
What it Does
This Executive Order states that DOD will send personnel to the border, require the Department of Defense to erect barriers, and greenlight the use of drones and other surveillance measures. This action goes beyond the use of the National Guard to allow the military itself and DOD to engage in border and interior enforcement.
City/OEI/OIRA Activities
The State of NM deployed the National Guard on May to support APD on tasks that not involve direct contact with the public. Also, the National Guard in NM will not be used for Immigration enforcement purposes.
APD and OEI held three townhalls to inform and clarify community members about the role of the National Guard in Albuquerque.
Resources
APD and OEI developed a one pager about the facts and myths about the presence of the National guard in Albuquerque.
Aliens Enemies Act
“Designating Cartels as Foreign Terrorists…”
Date: Jan. 20, 2025
What it Does
The EO references the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a wartime authority that states that the president may detain or deport the “natives and citizens of an enemy nation.” The administration may use this dated statute as justification to target immigrants without a hearing and based only on their country of birth or citizenship.
City/OEI/OIRA Activities
The City of Albuquerque has an immigrant friendly policy that still stands in 2025.
Resources
- The Alien Enemies Act, Explained | Brennan Center for Justice
- OEI Facebook page: Posts on Due Process
Cracking Down on Sanctuary Policies
“Protecting the American People Against Invasions”
Date: Jan. 20, 2025; Dec. 2024 to July 2025
What it Does
This provision directs DOJ and DHS to undertake any actions to force state and local authorities who have their own community policing policies to cooperate with DHS or they will not be eligible to receive federal funding.
City/OEI/OIRA Activities
The City of Albuquerque has an immigrant friendly policy that still stands in 2025.
City entities cannot use City resources to facilitate the investigation, detection, apprehension, or detention of an individual based on real or perceived immigration status. o City resources include, but are not limited to: moneys; equipment; personnel; and facilities.
The OIRA Liaison have done multiple presentations, panels, roundtables, and interviews on this subject such as:
- Interviews with Encuentro NM – La Voz Digital that can be found in their Facebook page.
- The OIRA Liaison has participated in a National Panel in a Conference with Cities For Action in NY, and another presentation online.
- Community Forums with the Mexican Consulate
- KUNM Interviews
- Press conferences
- Videos with Mayor Keller
Community Outreach
- Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs Steering Committee
- Community Asylum Partners (CAP)
- Local Leadership Group – Strong Cities Network
- Rapid Response Group with the Mexican Consulate
- Domestic Violence and Sexual assault Commission
- APS Refugee & Newcomer Supports Program Community Advisory Committee
- APD Language access implementation Committee
- Reach out to faith-based organizations, nonprofit entities, local businesses, and international community connections.
Regional Meetings
- Border Communities' Local Government Preparedness with OIRA staff members from Texas, California, Arizona, and New Mexico.
- Quarterly Refugee Coalition Meetings
- Refugee Health Provider Monthly meetings
National Meetings
- Cities for Action
- Cities for Citizenship
- GARE on the topic of immigration
- Immigration Hub: Power Hour
International Meetings
Strong Cities Network – Monthly Workshops
Resources
Panel to Address APD's Role in the Community - June 17, 2025 - EN ESPAÑOL
Mass Deportations, Elimination Enforcement Priorities, and Targeting Border Crossers, NGOs and Public Benefits
“Protecting the American People Against Invasions”
Date: Jan. 20, 2025
What it Does
This EO casts a large net to undermine families by:
- Revoking enforcement priorities and making any undocumented person a potential target.
- Limit the use of TPS and parole
- Targeting border crossers for prosecution, which originally led to family separations
- Targets NGOs (puts all federal contracts in review)
- Orders OMB to ensure that all agencies are not providing public benefits to undocumented immigrants who are not authorized to receive them
- Hire more CBP and ICE agents
- Provisions related to trying to force countries to accept their nations; establishing Federal Homeland Security Taskforces in each state, encouraging voluntary departure of migrants, and re-establishing the VOICE office.
City/OEI/OIRA Activities
- Know your rights workshops in partnership with local non profits
- Invited to table and participate at Legal clinics
- Preparing for upcoming events by tabling and distributing know your rights flyer, and Red cards at:
- Job fairs by partnering with City HR Recruiting team
- Summer of Non-Violence events by tabling at the ACS events
- Cruzin Back to School
- National Night out
- State of the City
- Black Business Food truck
- Launch of the APINH Office
- Preparing Immigration workshops for health care providers
- Learn about Immigrant Friendly policies in ABQ and Bernalillo County
- Know your rights
- Impacts of the Federal cuts for Medicaid on Immigrants and Refugees
- How to manage misinformation
- Self-care for service providers
Increased Detention
“Protecting the American People Against Invasions”
What it Does
This provision states that the DHS Secretary shall take all appropriate action and allocate all legally available resources to immediately construct, operate, control, or establish contracts to construct, operate, or control facilities to detain migrants at or near the land border with Mexico.
Resources
Asylum Processing at the U.S.-Mexico Border: May 2025 - The Strauss Center
287(g) Expansions
“Protecting the American People Against Invasions”
Date: Jan. 20, 2025
What it Does
This provision empowers State and local law enforcement agencies across the country to perform the functions of an immigration officer in the interior of the U.S.
City/OEI/OIRA Activities
The City of Albuquerque has an immigrant friendly policy that still stands in 2025.
Ending parole programs and CHNV
Date: Jan. 20, 2025
What it Does
The Executive Order ends the use of both parole for certain groups and CBP One for border management.
Resources
Immigration Parole | Policy Brief - Fwd.us
Ending CBP One
Date: Jan. 20, 2025
What it Does
Border Patrol implemented a new program called CBP One to create an appointment system at the border that helped to manage the flow of individuals coming to ports of entry.
Resources
The Department of Homeland Security is using an app called CBP HOME with the purpose to incentivize the voluntary self-departure of aliens illegally in the United States.
Suspending Refugee Resettlement
“Re-alligning the Refugee admissions program”
Date: Jan. 20, 2025
What it Does
Trump is suspending refugee admissions into the U.S. indefinitely, subject to review every 90 days.
Reinstating Remain in Mexico
Date: Jan. 20, 2025
What it Does
This policy forces asylum seekers to wait in dangerous conditions in Mexico for asylum processing.
Resources
- New Report Documents Devastating Toll of Court-ordered Reimplementation of Remain in Mexico - Human Rights First
- Human Rights First Urges Mexican Supreme Court to Find “Remain in Mexico” Illegal
National Emergency Declaration
Date: Jan. 20, 2025
What it Does
The EO declares a national emergency at the southern border. The Department of Defense will be required to send personnel to the border, erect barriers, and provide and operate drones and other surveillance measures.
Trump is instructing officials to ramp up construction of the border wall.
Resources
Trump’s ‘Emergency’ Declaration Is Illegal | ACLU
Ending Asylum and Suspending Entry Into the U.S.
Executive Order on Guaranteeing the States Protection Against Invasion
Date: Jan. 20, 2025
What it Does
The seeks to end asylum and other protections by stating that the asylum provisions do not apply if DHS does not have information about the individual prior to entry. This essentially means that only immigrants placed in the Remain in Mexico program would be permitted to claim asylum. The EO also states that all entry into the U.S. through the southern border is suspended.
Rescinding the Establishment of the Task Force on the Reunification of Families
Date: Jan. 20, 2025
What it Does
This EO eliminates the task force that was assigned by the Biden administration to reunite the families separated under Trump 1.0.
Resources
“We Need to Take Away Children”: Zero Accountability Six Years After “Zero Tolerance” | HRW
The dashboard will be updated regularly as new information becomes available. It reflects the City’s ongoing efforts to track impacted programs, funding at risk, and mitigation actions such as pursuing alternative funding, legal responses, and coordination with state and county partners.
Notice From Trump Administration |
At Risk |
Executive Order(s) |
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Community Programs, Senior Volunteer |
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Feb. 13, 2025 - “Executive Order Compliance - Response Required by February 19th” - AMERICORP Feb. 14, 2025 - Letter From Trump Administration April 15, 2025 - Letter from AmeriCorps
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Childhood Education / Head Start Programs |
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March 14, 2025 - “Federal Funding Restrictions for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives” |
Major reductions in early childhood education, limiting access to Head Start and increasing costs for working families. |
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Public Safety |
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Feb. 5, 2025 - “Sanctuary Jurisdiction Directives” April 9, 2025 - Vera Institute of Justice Targeted by Department of Justice Funding Cuts |
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Jan. 20, 2025 - EO14159 - "Protecting The American People Against “Invasion”" – The White House |
Economic Development |
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April 29, 2025 - NM Minority Business Development Agency Termination Notice |
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March 14, 2025 - EO14238 “Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy” – The White House |
Infrastructure & Transportation Projects |
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What’s at Risk for Housing & Services
- Vouchers
- Shelters
- Affordable Housing
- $25 million Uptown Connect
- 400 Units
- Transit Facility
- Mixed-Use Development
What’s at Risk for Families
- 39% of New Mexico families are enrolled in Medicaid
- 25% of New Mexico families are enrolled in SNAP
- 44,000 New Mexicans are employed by the federal government
What’s at Risk for Public Safety
- 50 Officers
- Victim Liaisons
- Sexual Assault Kits
- Crime Lab Equipment
- Funds for Investigations
- Crime Fighting Tech
- Drug Enforcement
- Firearm Background Checks
What’s at Risk for Transportation
- Road Improvement Projects
- Bike Lanes and Trails
- Pedestrian Safety
- EV Charging Infrastructure
- Transit Equity
- Bus Routes
- Rail Trail
What’s at Risk for Businesses
In 2021 - 2024, the New Mexico Minority Business Development Agency served:
- 415 Minority Businesses
- $230.2 million in gross revenue
- Creating / retaining 7,427 jobs
- $210 million in CDFI investments in New Mexico
How we are defending our values and taking action.
We are continuing our commitment to protecting our community through our City of Albuquerque Office of Equity and Inclusion, Office of Civil Rights, and Office of Financial Empowerment in addition to our diverse community liaisons, Basic Income Program, Justice 40, Climate Action Plan, Vision Zero, 100,000 Trees, language access, and Zero Fares.
We are expanding protections for our community with the City Reproductive Bill of Rights, Renters Bill of Rights, and Environmental Bill of Rights, creating pathways to public service for people with disabilities, requiring contractor’s compliance with the Human Rights Ordinance, and priority hiring for former federal employees.
Mayor Keller's Executive Orders to Defend ABQ
In response to Trumps’ April 8, 2025 executive order that props up the coal industry and undermines clean energy, Mayor Keller signed an executive order reaffirming the City’s commitment to environmental justice and climate resilience. Learn more about the executive order.
During Albuquerque’s 2025 Earth Day Festival, Mayor Tim Keller took action to defend open space and natural resources amid the Trump administration’s ongoing assault on environmental protections and climate progress. Mayor Keller has signed an executive order reaffirming the City’s commitment to protecting public lands and promoting environmental justice. Learn more about the executive order.
Mayor Tim Keller issued an Executive Order reaffirming Albuquerque’s longstanding commitment as an immigrant-friendly city and outlined specific actions to safeguard the rights and safety of immigrant and refugee communities. The order comes in response to recent federal legislation and enforcement practices that threaten due process, destabilize families, and undermine trust in local government.
Balancing the Budget & Supporting the People
- Tightening the Belt
- Cutting non-essential spending: travel, conferences, awards.
- Selling unused tech, furniture, vehicles, and City properties.
- Redirecting new revenues, like opioid settlement funds and marijuana tax, to fund social programs.
- Job fairs and City hiring for displaced federal workers
- Advocating for State relief funds for municipalities.
- Supporting MBDA and CDFIs to empower minority- and small-owned businesses.
Advocating for What’s at Risk for Families
- SNAP: Over 155,000 BernCo recipients and $41 million issued in 2021.
- Medicaid & CHIP: Over 270,000 covered and $2.1 billion in funding at risk.
- Federal jobs: 44,000 workers statewide.
Immigration & Public Safety
- No city staff, including APD, will ask for immigration status.
- Ensuring all residents can report crime and access essential services without fear.
- Providing "Know Your Rights" resources and partnerships for immigrant communities.
Protecting Our Environment | Climate Action & Open Space Protections
- On track for 100% solar energy for municipal operations.
- 52 metric tons of CO₂ emissions reduced through energy upgrades.
- Over 30,000 acres of protected open space, with 1,500 new acres acquired.
- Introducing an Environmental Bill of Rights.
Protecting Human Rights & Social Justice
- Defending reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ protections.
- Strengthening the Human Rights Ordinance.
- Introducing a Reproductive Bill of Rights.
- Expanding living wages and job access for people with disabilities.
The Keller Administration asked Congress to resist President's Trumps plans to gut programs that benefit New Mexico families. Read Mayor Keller's letters to New Mexico's congressional delegation.
New Mexico’s federal delegation is also pushing back, and state leaders are stepping up with new protections—like a Medicaid trust fund and bills of rights for renters, environmental protections, reproductive freedom, and the rights of immigrant communities.
- NM Federal Delegation Pushing Back
- Shoring Up State Protections and Funds
- Medicaid and Behavioral Health Trust Funds
- State Rental, Environmental, Reproductive, Immigrant Friendly Bills of Rights
- Supporting a Special Session
- Coordination with Bernalillo County
Together, We Can Stand Strong
- Contact your reps and councilors — demand action to protect Albuquerque.
- Back state efforts like the Medicaid Trust Fund and Bills of Rights for renters, the environment, reproductive freedom, and immigrant communities.
- Support a special session and coordination with Bernalillo County.
- Stand with local orgs fighting for housing, labor, immigrant rights, and justice.
- Volunteer, donate, amplify — every effort matters.
- Jan. 24, 2025 Albuquerque Reaffirms Commitment as an Immigrant Friendly City
- March 18, 2025 Trump's Funding Cuts Will Devastate Albuquerque's Small Businesses and Working Families
- March 27, 2025 Mayor Keller Defending ABQ Against Federal Cuts
- March 28, 2025 Essential Health, Food Security, and Social Services Endangered as Trump Slashes Continue
- April 2, 2025 City Administration’s Budget Prioritizes Safety, Jobs & Families
- April 11, 2025 Mayor Keller Flips the Script, Issues Executive Order to Fight Trump’s Climate Rollbacks
- April 13, 2025 Mayor Keller Signs Executive Order to Protect Open Space as Trump Threatens Federal Lands
- April 14, 2025 Trump Stops Critical Senior Services in Albuquerque
- April 29, 2025 Defend ABQ: City Standing Up for Minority Businesses as Federal Cuts Continue
- July 10, 2025 City Joins Lawsuits to Block Federal Cuts to Public Safety, Housing
- July 21, 2025 Mayor Keller Issues Executive Order to Protect Immigrant Rights in Albuquerque; City Councilors Plan Legislation to Further Codify Immigrant Protections