Albuquerque City Councilor Klarissa J. Peña Calls for ICE Transparency

ALBUQUERQUE – Albuquerque City Councilor Klarissa J. Peña, who represents District 3, released a statement today in response to a concerning incident involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on July 7, 2025. The incident took place at a Walmart Supercenter near I-40 and Coors Blvd., where ICE agents attempted to detain a man. During the encounter, the individual was tased and suffered serious injuries after hitting his head on the ground.

“I am deeply concerned by the reports of this ICE operation on Albuquerque’s Westside,” said Councilor Peña. “The safety and well-being of all residents in District 3 and throughout the city is my highest priority. When any law enforcement action—regardless of the agency—involves serious injury in a public setting, it requires immediate scrutiny and accountability.

Councilor Peña stressed the importance of transparency from ICE, particularly in how the agency determines targets for detention. She expressed concern that current methods may prioritize enforcement over public and individual safety.

She also called for greater clarity on the role of retailers and delivery companies in such situations, saying the community deserves to understand their policies regarding ICE activity so individuals can make informed choices when working or shopping.

Councilor Peña reaffirmed her commitment to investigating the incident further and exploring ways to prevent similar events in the future. She plans to meet with major retailers operating in Albuquerque to better understand their policies on ICE engagement, especially regarding the detention of employees at work.

“My thoughts are with the individual who was injured and their family,” Peña added. “Albuquerque is a welcoming city. We must ensure all residents feel safe and respected, no matter their immigration status.”