ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The United States Justice Department published a list of sanctuary jurisdictions around the country and threatened legal action against them. Albuquerque was included in the list of cities.
Attorney General Pam Bondi called out states, counties, and cities that refuse to work with ICE, while they investigate illegal immigrants. She said her department plans on bringing litigation against these jurisdictions to “eradicate these harmful policies around the country.”
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller and law enforcement leaders have spoken out several times recently in support of the city’s “immigrant-friendly” status. “I don’t think this is going to do anything but make us less safe in our community. If we have immigrants who are scared to report crimes. // We need everybody in this community, immigrant included, to participate in this process. And that means those brave souls who are willing to report crime that happens in their community,” said Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman in January.
The DOJ said they are willing to work with any jurisdiction that looks to get off the list by changing its policies. About two weeks ago, Mayor Keller signed his own executive order, reinstating the city’s immigrant-friendly policies.
