Commissioners adopt ordinance limiting county support for civil immigration enforcement

The Santa Fe County Board adopted an ordinance restricting county use of property, personnel, records and funds for civil immigration enforcement. Olivia Padilla, speaking for Commissioner Lisa Bakari Stone, framed the ordinance as a trust and public-safety measure intended to ensure all residents feel safe accessing county services and reporting crimes without fear of immigration consequences.

The ordinance prohibits county staff from allowing civil immigration enforcement into nonpublic areas of county buildings, using county property to support civil immigration enforcement, or sharing health and other protected records for civil immigration enforcement. It does not prevent compliance with lawful federal warrants or criminal investigations. Commissioner Hank Hughes moved the ordinance, which passed by roll call vote (Commissioner Stone excused). Commissioners said the measure is intended to protect public safety by preserving trust in county services.