The Bernalillo County Commission passed an ordinance Monday night establishing “Safer Community Places” aimed at protecting residents, particularly immigrants, from federal immigration enforcement actions in certain locations.
The measure, sponsored by Vice Chair Adriann Barboa and Commissioner Barbara Baca, designates private spaces within public facilities as protected areas, including hospitals, healthcare facilities, schools, daycare centers and county-operated buildings.
“The actions of Immigration Enforcement throughout America, who have unfettered authorization to violently target and detain immigrants, compelled us to present an ordinance,” Barboa said. “People should not have to feel threatened, terrified or unsafe by their own government.”
The ordinance, which the commission approved at its administrative meeting, cites Article 9, Section 12 of the New Mexico Constitution, granting counties authority to provide safety and preserve residents’ health.
Under the new rules, the county will implement staff training and install signage to clearly identify non-public spaces within county buildings. The ordinance also applies to businesses operating in Bernalillo County, which must register with the county.
Businesses will be required to post signs distinguishing public from private areas and notify employees within 24 hours of receiving an inspection notice from federal agencies.
Fabiola Landeros, immigrants’ rights organizer with El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos, called the measure “a step in the right direction.”
“ICE’s violent tactics targeting the very workers, taxpayers, and small business owners who form the backbone of our economy is not only inhumane, but it is bad economic policy,” Landeros said.
