Otero County extends federal immigrant detention contract again after first attempt deemed illegal

Otero County re-extends immigrant detention contract, but NM Department of Justice says it is still invalid and violates state law

By: Patrick Lohmann

Outlets: Source New Mexico

Published: March 26, 2026

Words: 621

Last Updated: 4 months, 1 week ago

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The Otero County Commission on Wednesday evening voted again to extend a federal immigrant detention contract, after the New Mexico Department of Justice determined its attempt earlier this month violated a state transparency law.

The unanimous vote seeks to prolong the county’s arrangement with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency and private prison operator MTC that allows ICE to house detainees at the Otero County Processing Center in Chaparral, even though a new …

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