NM lawmakers say counties defying immigrant detention bill vulnerable to legal action

Lawmakers said that county officials may have shed legal liability protection when continuing a federal ICE contract.

By: Patrick Lohmann

Outlets: Source New Mexico

Published: May 22, 2026

Words: 650

Last Updated: 2 months ago

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Top lawmakers on an interim legislative committee Thursday warned county leaders who defied a newly enacted immigrant detention bill that they should be setting aside money for an eventual lawsuit.

House Bill 9, the Immigrant Safety Act, passed in the most recent legislative session, prohibits counties from contracting with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.

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New Mexico has three counties with immigrant detention facilities. …

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