U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury, while addressing the New Mexico Legislature on Thursday, pledged to defend the most vulnerable New Mexicans as the second Trump administration pursues policies that target immigrants and put at risk gains made by marginalized communities.
Stansbury represents New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District, which includes much of Albuquerque.
“For those of you who are feeling scared and uncertain about the future in this country, know that we will fight to protect our communities and especially those who are most vulnerable,” Stansbury said. “We will work to ensure that New Mexico remains a safe haven for everyone across all of our communities, whether you are an immigrant or your people have lived here since time immemorial, whether your people came up the Camino Real, whether your people came here as homesteaders or as Buffalo Soldiers, or as members of the AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) community.”
Stansbury, now the ranking member of the DOGE subcommittee of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, said she expects the challenges ahead to be daunting and require the resolve of everyone who shares her goals.
“And so, I say to all of you, do not give up hope, because we have to continue to keep showing up, to keep doing the work,” Stansbury said. “Because justice will prevail, and we will continue to bend the arc of history towards justice.”
Without mentioning President Donald Trump or the Republican Party by name, Stansbury also urged them to consider the human impact those policies might have.
“For those of you who are embracing the changes you are seeing right now across our country, I ask of you, do not lose your humanity,” she implored. “Remember that we are your neighbors. Remember that there are people in our communities that need you. Remember that you took the oath of office to serve all New Mexicans, and we will continue to do this work together.”
She recalled taking her oath of office in 2021 and said her pledge is the same now as it was then.
“My promise to you is that I will work fiercely, relentlessly and with every ounce of grit, determination and heart to serve our people every single day in our nation’s capital and here in New Mexico,” Stansbury said. “And to fight for that big, bold and beautiful vision we have for New Mexico and our people.”