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Otero County Extends ICE Contract Amid Upcoming Immigrant Safety Act

KVIA••Heriberto Perez Lara
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Otero County Commissioners convened an emergency meeting to renew their contract with ICE for the detention center in Chaparral, New Mexico, despite a new state law, the Immigrant Safety Act, set to take effect on May 20. This law will prohibit local governments from entering into contracts for federal immigration enforcement. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's office has stated that compliance with this act will be monitored, and the Attorney General will ensure adherence. The decision to renew the contract raises questions about legal compliance and the future of immigration enforcement in the region.

Key Details: • The Immigrant Safety Act becomes effective on May 20, 2026. • Otero County's contract with ICE has been renewed despite the upcoming law. • Governor's office expects local governments to comply with the new law. • Otero County Attorney R.B. Nichols has stated no further comments will be provided.

immigration ice governor law otero-county

People & Organizations

Department of Homeland SecurityMichelle Lujan GrishamU.S. Immigration and Customs EnforcementMartin HeinrichOtero CountyChaparralGabe VasquezBen Ray LujánGerald MatherlyR.B. Nichols

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