Immigration Enforcement and Advocacy in NM

This week on New Mexico in Focus, we look at immigration in New Mexico — from detention to policymaking, enforcement and advocacy.  

Cibola County Correctional Center is one of three prisons in New Mexico that hold immigrants for ICE — US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Reporter Cailley Chella spoke to several men locked up in Cibola County, as well as a group of local volunteers working to make sure they feel seen.  

In July, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller signed an executive order reaffirming and expanding the city’s immigrant-friendly ordinance enacted in 2018. Albuquerque City Councilor Dan Lewis tells host Nash Jones why he opposes the mayor’s order and calls for the city to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. 

Elected in 2024, state Sen. Cindy Nava, D-Bernalillo, became one of the first former DACA recipients to hold public office. Nash recently sat down with Nava to discuss how her experience as someone who was formerly undocumented informs her work at the Roundhouse. 

Marcela Diaz is the founding executive director of Somos Un Pueblo Unido, an immigrant-led workers’ rights organization. Senior Producer Lou DiVizio asks Diaz how her organization has had to change its approach since President Trump returned to the White House. 

In July, Catholic leaders in San Bernardino, California encouraged their immigrant parishioners to skip mass if they fear possible detention of deportation from federal authorities. Santa Fe Archbishop John C. Wester tells correspondent Russell Contreras why he supports the decision from that California-based diocese. 

Host: Nash Jones

Segments:

Nonprofit Advocates for Asylum Seekers in NM Private Prison 
Correspondent: Cailley Chella 
Guests: 
Dani Figueroa, VIDA Volunteer 
Celia Dollmeyer, VIDA Volunteer 
Kelly McClowsky-Romero, VIDA Coordinator 
Elvis Salcedo, Asylum Seeker Detained in Cibola  
Victor, Asylum Seeker Detained in Cibola 

ABQ City Councilor Calls for Cooperation with ICE 
Correspondent: Nash Jones 
Guest: Dan Lewis, Albuquerque City Councilor, District 5 

Formerly Undocumented State Senator on Trump’s Immigration Policy 
Correspondent: Nash Jones 
Guest: NM Sen. Cindy Nava, D-Bernalillo 

Somos Un Pueblo Unido Helps Immigrants Under Trump Crackdown 
Correspondent: Lou DiVizio 
Guest: Marcela Diaz, Founding Executive Director, Somos Un Pueblo Unido 

Santa Fe Archbishop on Treating Immigrants with Compassion 
Correspondent: Russell Contreras 
Guest: John C. Wester, Archbishop of Santa Fe