SANTA FE, N.M. — Santa Fe city leaders are set to consider a series of proposals aimed at supporting immigrant communities amid reports of increased immigration enforcement activity in the area.
The Santa Fe City Council is expected to introduce three measures Wednesday night that Mayor Michael Garcia says are designed to help residents feel informed and safe while strengthening communication between city government and immigrant communities.
One resolution would reaffirm the city’s support for immigrant residents and encourage community members, regardless of immigration status, to continue seeking assistance from police and fire personnel when needed.
A second proposal would add a non-voting Governing Body representative to Santa Fe’s Immigration Committee in an effort to improve communication between the committee and city leadership.
Councilors will also consider a proposed Community Refuge Ordinance, which would prohibit immigration-enforcement staging on city-owned property. The ordinance would also require employers to notify workers about I-9 audits and workplace immigration enforcement actions. Businesses that fail to provide those notices could face penalties, including potential license suspension.
Garcia said the proposals would not have prevented recent immigration-related arrests but are intended to reinforce Santa Fe’s position as a welcoming community and help residents better understand their rights and available resources.
The measures are expected to move through the committee review process before returning to the full council for consideration. Garcia said he hopes the proposals can be adopted by the end of the month.
