Mayor Keller Issues Executive Order to Protect Immigrant Rights in Albuquerque; City Councilors Plan Legislation to Further Codify Immigrant Protections

Today, 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.

“From day one, I made it clear that we will not be intimidated by harmful federal policies—and we’ve never wavered from our commitment to civil rights and public safety,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This Executive Order makes it clear that we will not stand by silently as our neighbors and friends are living in fear, and we will protect due process for all people living in our City. Albuquerque is a community rooted in diversity and strength, and we will not use our resources to support raids, detentions, or information-sharing that we are not legally required to do.”

Albuquerque’s immigrant communities are deeply woven into the fabric of our city, contributing significantly to our economy, culture, and civic life. Immigrants support local industries, launch small businesses, enrich neighborhoods, and power key sectors—from construction to health care. Policies that target these communities not only violate our values, they also undermine our city’s growth and resilience.

Immigrants are vital to both our city and state economies, generating $12 billion annually for New Mexico—accounting for roughly 17% of the state’s total economic activity. Immigrants contributed more than $1.5 billion in taxes and spent more than $5.6 billion in consumer goods in 2023. More than 15,000 immigrants contribute to the entrepreneurial landscape and future economic vitality of Albuquerque and the state, and 16% of Albuquerque small businesses are immigrant-owned. Their entrepreneurial spirit creates jobs, strengthens neighborhoods, and fuels small business development across Albuquerque.

“Albuquerque’s immigrant-friendly legacy reflects the deep economic, civic, and cultural contributions of our communities. Pouring billions into family separation and the terrorizing of local families not only violates our values, it’s also bad economic policy,” said Fabiola Landeros, community organizer with El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos. “We are grateful that the Keller administration, along with allies and elected officials at all levels, has worked with us over the years to strengthen that legacy. Today’s Executive Order makes one thing clear: holding the line is not enough.”

The Executive Order affirms the City of Albuquerque’s legal, moral, and operational duty to uphold civil rights, promote transparent governance, and serve all residents with dignity—regardless of immigration status. It builds upon the City’s 2018 Immigrant-Friendly Resolution (R-18-7) and expands citywide protocols to counteract the harmful impacts of federal immigration actions, including proposals like H.R.1 (“One Big Beautiful Bill”).

Key Provisions of the Executive Order

Protection of Immigration Due Process

• Reaffirms that no City department, agency, or employee shall use City resources to assist in federal civil immigration enforcement, including raids, detentions, or information-sharing, unless legally required.

Implementation and Oversight

• Designates the Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) to lead implementation.
• Directs the Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) Steering Committee to gather community feedback and coordinate support services with legal providers, schools, and non-profits.
• Requires all departments to designate liaisons and report progress to the Mayor.

Transparency in City Services

• Prohibits City staff from supporting secret ICE activity in public facilities.
• Requires departments to report any ICE activity at City facilities to the Mayor’s Office and OEI.
• Allows APD to confirm ICE activity only when requested by the public.
• Commits to prosecuting individuals who impersonate law enforcement to defraud or harm residents.

Transparency in Federal Immigration Enforcement

• Directs the City Attorney to file regular Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to DHS and ICE and share findings with the public and City departments.
• Reiterates that ICE must clearly identify its officers and avoid harmful or disruptive detainment tactics in public spaces.

Protection of Children, Including Migrant Youth

• Instructs all departments serving youth to develop trauma-informed protocols to support children affected by immigration enforcement.

Support for Working Families

• Directs departments to identify services and assistance for families impacted by federal actions, particularly related to housing, healthcare, employment, and education.
• Expands virtual access to services to support safe interaction with government systems.

“We expect the best from law enforcement at all levels, and this Executive Order makes it clear that we will do all we can to keep our neighbors safe,” said Sonya Lara, Director of the Office of Equity and Inclusion. “At OEI, we identify ways the City can protect immigrant rights, collaborate with community partners, and ensure families have access to the resources they need. Knowledge is power—know your rights.”

City Councilors plan to introduce legislation when they return from the July recess which will further codify immigrant protections in Albuquerque.

“The Mayor’s Executive Order is a first step – but we know lasting change requires more. As a City Councilor I’m working with my colleagues right now to craft thoughtful, enforceable legislation that we’ll introduce when Council returns in August,” said City Councilor Joaquin Baca, District 2. “Our goal is to ensure that everyone feels safe in their own neighborhoods, that our local resources aren’t weaponized for political purposes, and that Albuquerque continues to lead with fairness, accountability, and trust.”

"I commend Mayor Keller's executive order, and it's crucial that ICE provides greater transparency, especially in how they operate in Albuquerque. My concern is that current methods may prioritize enforcement over the safety and well-being of the public. We need clarity on the role of businesses like retailers and delivery companies in these operations so people can make informed choices.”  said City Councilor Klarissa Peña, District 3.  “The community deserves to understand the City’s  policies regarding ICE activity. As always, I stand with our community and elected officials to ensure Albuquerque is safe for all workers, families, and individuals. I will work with my fellow City Councilors to craft legislation that protects the undocumented."

“When federal immigration enforcement lacks transparency, it erodes trust, increases fear, and puts entire communities at risk,” said City Councilor Nichole Rogers, District 6. “Albuquerque has a responsibility to stand up for the safety and dignity of all our residents, regardless of immigration status. By demanding accountability from federal agents, we’re protecting constitutional rights and strengthening the bond between our local government and the people we serve.”

“ICE’s recent raids have spread fear and targeted families who are part of our city’s fabric. Let me be clear: we do not stand with these raids,” said City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn, District 7. “Immigrant communities deserve safety, respect, and dignity—not to be terrorized. That’s why my colleagues and I will soon introduce proposals to strengthen protections and uphold the values of inclusion and justice for all.”

Mayor Keller has a long and consistent record of supporting immigrant rights—from championing driver’s licenses for immigrants as a State Senator, to pushing back on the Trump administration’s family separation policies at the border, to signing Albuquerque’s immigrant-friendly resolution in 2018. This Executive Order is the latest in a series of actions reflecting that commitment.

The Executive Order is effective immediately. To review it, visit the Defend ABQ webpage. For questions or assistance, contact the Office of Equity and Inclusion at 505-768-3307.