Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller has signed a sweeping executive order aimed at resisting President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement campaign, becoming the latest Democrat-led city to push back against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids.
Keller announced the order on Monday, declaring that Albuquerque will not stand by as communities face what he called “harmful federal policies.”
“From day one, I made it clear that we will not be intimidated,” Keller said in a statement. “We’ve never wavered from our commitment to civil rights and public safety. This Executive Order ensures we will not stand by silently as our neighbors live in fear—we will protect due process for all people living in our city.”
Key Provisions Target Federal Enforcement
The order builds on Albuquerque’s existing “immigrant-friendly” stance and sets new citywide protocols to “counteract the harmful impacts” of federal immigration actions, including legislative proposals like H.R.1—referred to by Trump as the “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
According to a city press release, the order:
- Prohibits any city department, agency, or employee from using local resources to assist federal civil immigration enforcement, including raids, detentions, or information-sharing, unless legally required.
- Mandates that departments report any ICE activity occurring on city property.
- Forbids city employees from supporting covert ICE operations.
- Requires ICE officers to clearly identify themselves when operating in public areas.
In addition, city departments are now required to identify and deliver services to residents impacted by federal enforcement—particularly in areas like housing, healthcare, employment, and education. The order also directs departments to expand virtual access to services to ensure that residents can safely interact with city systems without fear.
No Questions Asked on Immigration Status
Keller emphasized that Albuquerque serves all residents equally, stating that immigrants contribute $12 billion to New Mexico’s economy each year and that 16% of small businesses in the city are immigrant-owned. He made no distinction between legal and illegal immigration, asserting, “It is our duty to serve all residents with dignity—regardless of immigration status.”
A spokesperson for Keller told Fox News Digital that the city works closely with local organizations to ensure services remain available and accessible. “We do not inquire about immigration status when offering assistance,” the spokesperson said. “Our focus remains on fostering safety, inclusion, and support for everyone who calls our city home.”
Growing Trend Among Democrat-Led Cities
Albuquerque joins a growing list of Democrat-run cities taking formal action against ICE raids under the Trump administration. Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell signed a similar order in May, requiring city departments to report all communications with federal immigration authorities to the city’s Office of New Americans. He now faces a congressional investigation over allegations he interfered with enforcement efforts.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also made headlines earlier this month after joining a lawsuit to stop ICE operations in Southern California.
As mass deportations intensify and legal battles escalate, Keller signaled that Albuquerque will continue to resist federal pressure. City councilors are expected to introduce legislation to codify the executive order into local law once they return from recess.
