NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – In a head-to-head discussion, lawmakers debated about whether New Mexico should consider closing immigration detention facilities. Lawmakers toured the federally run Otero County Processing Center on Monday. Republican leaders said they were happy with the way it was run, while the lone Democrat said she saw people who were not criminals detained.
After the tour, lawmakers yet again debated about House Bill 9, which failed to pass earlier this year. It would prohibit public property from being used to detain people for federal immigration violations. Those for the shut down of the facilities say they worry about the safety at the centers… While those against it say either way, those inside will be moved elsewhere, and they worry about the job loss at the facilities. <(Eleanor chávez)
“Some of the other things we heard about were the fact that they did not have access to legal counsel, interpreters, the food was horrible. Raw sewage,” said Rep. Eleanor Chávez (D-Albuquerque).
“During the time that we were at the facility, we saw the most humane conditions. I would liken it to a celebrity rehab facility. It is that immaculate and clean,” said Rep. John Block (R-Otero).
Bill sponsors said the bill would prevent counties from entering into contracts with ICE, but wouldn’t prevent counties from using the buildings for something else. There is no word yet on whether this bill will be a focus at a possible special session.
