Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller signed an executive order Monday reinforcing the city’s resistance to President Donald Trump’s expanded immigration enforcement efforts, declaring that Albuquerque will not assist federal civil immigration operations unless legally required.
“From day one, I made it clear that we will not be intimidated by harmful federal policies—and we’ve never wavered from our commitment to civil rights and public safety,” Keller said in a statement. “This Executive Order makes it clear that we will not stand by silently as our neighbors and friends are living in fear, and we will protect due process for all people living in our City.”
According to a press release, the executive order builds on Albuquerque’s existing “immigrant-friendly” stance and expands protocols across city departments to resist what Keller’s office describes as the “harmful impacts” of federal immigration actions, including those proposed under Trump-backed legislation like H.R.1, dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
Blocking ICE Cooperation Unless Legally Required
The order explicitly prohibits any city agency, department, or employee from using city resources to assist with civil immigration enforcement—including ICE raids, detentions, or information-sharing—unless required by law.
It also directs all departments to report any ICE activity occurring at city facilities and bars staff from participating in or supporting covert ICE operations. ICE officers will be required to clearly identify themselves if operating in public areas under city jurisdiction.
City departments are now required to provide targeted assistance to families affected by federal immigration actions—especially in areas such as housing, healthcare, employment, and education—and expand virtual access to city services to ensure safe engagement with local government.
Keller: Immigrants Are an Economic Engine
In issuing the order, Keller emphasized the economic contribution of immigrants to New Mexico, claiming they generate $12 billion annually and own 16% of Albuquerque’s small businesses. He did not distinguish between legal and illegal immigrants, instead stating, “It is our duty to serve all residents with dignity—regardless of immigration status.”
The mayor also revealed that members of the Albuquerque City Council plan to introduce legislation to make the order permanent once the council returns from recess.
A spokesperson for Keller told Fox News Digital that Albuquerque works closely with local organizations to make sure services such as housing, healthcare, and education remain accessible to anyone impacted by federal immigration actions—without inquiring about immigration status.
Albuquerque Joins Other Cities in Defiance of ICE
“Albuquerque is proud to welcome immigrants and values the rich diversity of our community,” the spokesperson added. “Our focus remains on fostering safety, inclusion, and support for everyone who calls our city home.”
Albuquerque joins a growing list of left-leaning cities that are pushing back on federal immigration enforcement. In May, Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell signed a similar executive order requiring city departments to report any communication with immigration officials to Nashville’s Office of New Americans. O’Connell is now under Congressional investigation for allegedly obstructing ICE efforts.
Earlier this month, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass made headlines for vocally opposing ICE raids in her city and joining a lawsuit to block them.
