By Andrea Vasquez
The Consulate of Mexico in Albuquerque wants the immigrant community to know its rights and be legally informed and prepared, as President Donald Trump has kicked off his second term with a crackdown on immigration.
The recent political climate has caused citizens to feel uneasy about their legal status, resulting in protests, fear and other objections to Trump’s executive order for the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants in the country.
As a response, the Mexican Consulate hosted a free community bilingual forum on Feb. 4 at the National Hispanic Cultural Center.
The event is part of the consulate’s series “Cafecito con la Comunidad,” and this session featured a diverse group of speakers, including government officials, law enforcement representatives, legal experts and community leaders.
The two-hour forum centered on immigration enforcement and community support. Its primary focus was combatting misinformation and dismantling fear. The panelists highlighted the need to stay calm, use available legal resources and cooperate with law enforcement.
While the information shared primarily pertains to Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, it is also helpful and valid for the entire state of New Mexico, particularly regarding the Department of Justice and the Mexican Consulate.
Individuals can utilize the consulate’s network to request information when in doubt.
Patricia Pinzón, the Consul of Mexico in Albuquerque, addressed the importance of reassuring the consulate’s commitment to the community and thanked the participants for their time and invaluable resources.
“As migrants, we all have one foot in the United States and the other in Mexico, and I am sure these reflections will make us better prepared and help us make better decisions for our families and loved ones,” Pinzón said.
She also mentioned the best recommendations to keep in mind if approached by immigration officials, which include:
- Not giving unsolicited information
- Not opening doors to authorities without a warrant
- Not revealing immigration status
- Remaining silent except to state one’s name if detained
- Requesting to speak with the consulate or an attorney
- Not signing anything that is not understood
- Cooperating with authorities while being careful not to lie or present false documents
Pinzón said it is also important to note that Albuquerque is a sanctuary city. In 2018, the city passed an “Immigrant-Friendly Policy,” which prevents the city from questioning or sharing a person’s immigration status.
The policy was passed in response to the immigration agenda during Trump’s first presidential term.
As Council Bill R-18-7 explains, Albuquerque welcomes and encourages immigrants to live, work and study in this city and participate in community affairs.
A statement on behalf of Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller stressed the welcoming stance of the city.
“Albuquerque is and will serve as a city friendly to immigrants,” Keller said.
A representative from Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman’s office also clarified Bregman’s stance on the recent executive order, stating that he will not assist with any immigration order.
“My office has consistently worked to protect all victims of crime, and we will continue to pursue all criminals with the full weight of the law,” Bregman’s representative said.
Forum attendees mentioned instances where parents have seen U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) vehicles outside schools.
The presence of ICE in public schools has been a pressing issue around the country.
According to Tania Campos, director of equity and engagement for Albuquerque Public Schools (APS), there have not been any reports of ICE entering schools in Albuquerque.
“As a parent myself, I understand the situation,” Campos said. “We are doing everything possible to keep schools safe.”
People were also advised to stay vigilant, take photos and be aware of ICE impersonators.
Albuquerque Police Department Deputy Chief Josh Brown said that the only time local police collaborate with immigration authorities is when serious crimes are involved.
“We’re here for you, so if you ever feel that you’re scared to get us because of your nationality, we’re not going to ask,” Brown said.
“We are not going to convert our police into deportation agents or to harass people and ask their status,” Senior Affairs Associate Director and Mayor’s Liaison Alan Armijo said.
“We believe that everyone in our city should be able to report criminals, take their kids to school without problems, go to the hospital if necessary, and go to church without fear.”
The event also featured free legal counseling from the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center (NMILC) and Ornelas & Serna P.C.
The services were available to anyone interested in legal and civic matters. More than 50 informative legal sessions were held for not only Mexican citizens but also international attendees.
Fernando Fernandez, a licensed Mexican attorney at Ornelas & Serna P.C., said this is the “time to behave well.” He also said everyone should have all documentation in order, including getting a local license and starting visa processes if applicable.
He also advised citizens always to follow the speed limit and not drink and drive.
“Let’s not take unnecessary risks,” Fernandez said.
“We have to be calm, we have to work. That is why the majority — the great majority, the immense majority — of Hispanics come here to work. They come to generate money to be able to send to their homes, and they are not here to commit illegal acts. Let’s keep it that way.”
Nora Hernandez, a legal representative at the forum, shared her thoughts and essential information that could be crucial for immigrants.
She is a DOJ-authorized legal representative who became a U.S. citizen with the help of centers such as the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center.
The nonprofit organization, she said, is a crucial resource for free legal consultations on immigration issues.
Hernandez also said she is proud that things are done differently in New Mexico.
“We educate our community, we educate our officials, we educate our politicians, and we explain to them why it’s important to protect people,” Hernandez said. “here in New Mexico, as a community, we try to protect each other.”
Legal advice is available by calling 505-247-1023. Hernandez emphasized the importance of persistence, as call volumes are higher than ever, but assistance is never denied.The consulate’s website and Facebook, Instagram and X accounts provide more information about services and future events, such as webinars, educational sessions and another community forum in Santa Fe at 6 p.m. on Feb. 26.