Proposed Amendment to Immigrant Friendly Policy Fails 4-5

ALBUQUERQUE - Councilors Bassan and Grout’s proposed amendment (R-24-45) to the City’s Immigrant Friendly Policy failed to gain enough votes during the Council meeting on Monday night.

The measure failed on a 4-5 vote and was highly contested with dozens signing up to speak in opposition to the measure. Many of Albuquerque's immigrant-friendly policies were formed as the result of decades of engagement with immigrant communities, victim advocates and civil liberties experts. The policy promoted public safety, upheld constitutional rights and discouraged racial profiling. For the past 24 years, the City’s immigrant friendly policies ensured that all families in Albuquerque may thrive.

“’One Albuquerque’ is more than a tagline,” said District 7 Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn. “The vote tonight proves that Albuquerque is a compassionate community, and we stand with our immigrant community. Tonight, and always, we understand that immigrants are the heart of our community and cheap political ploys like this do not stand a chance in our city!”

The amendment would have compelled Albuquerque Police Department (APD) to collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), independent of whether any criminal charges have been filed.

“I am beyond proud to stand with the community and my fellow Councilors who did the right thing by voting NO to R-24-45,” said District 6 Councilor Nichole L. Rogers. “Now we can move on to legislation that will actually help public safety and we can continue the sense of belonging that should exist for everyone who calls Albuquerque home.”