New Mexico DOJ Seeks to Block Controversial ICE Detention Agreement in Otero County

The New Mexico Department of Justice has filed an emergency petition with the state Supreme Court to block a controversial agreement between Otero County and ICE that aims to keep a detention center in Chaparral operational. Attorney General Raúl Torrez asserts that the agreement violates state law, as Otero County failed to obtain necessary approvals and lacks the authority to enter such contracts. The petition highlights that the agreement contradicts the recently passed Immigrant Safety Act, which prohibits local governments from engaging with ICE for civil immigration detention. The DOJ is requesting a swift court decision to prevent any actions based on this agreement while the case is reviewed.

Key Details: • Emergency petition filed with New Mexico Supreme Court to block ICE agreement. • Otero County's agreement allegedly violates the Immigrant Safety Act passed in February. • The agreement was rushed through with minimal public notice just before the previous contract expired.