New Mexico legislators are set to debate a proposal aimed at severing connections between the state and private companies that operate migrant detention centers. The measure, known as House Bill 9 (Immigrant Safety Act), would also prohibit the use of state lands for immigration detention.
The bill, which passed the House of Representatives by a 35-25 vote on March 7, is now under Senate review.
Advocates Push for Change
Supporters of the bill, including immigration advocacy groups and the ACLU, argue that migrant detention facilities in New Mexico have been linked to human rights violations, such as inadequate healthcare and excessive solitary confinement.
“Each detention facility holds real people—parents separated from children, workers pulled from their communities, and asylum seekers escaping violence only to endure further trauma,” said Jessica Martinez, a representative from the New Mexico Immigration Law Center.
Advocacy groups are urging the Senate to act quickly to pass the legislation and eliminate the state’s involvement in immigration detention.
Potential Financial and Job Impacts
While the bill’s financial impact on state revenues is considered minimal, it could result in significant economic consequences for communities where detention centers operate.
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According to a state agency analysis, counties that house privately-run U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers could face job losses and reduced tax revenue:
- Cibola County risks losing $180,000 in tax revenue and approximately 300 jobs from a facility operated by CoreCivic, which has an annual payroll of $10.8 million.
- Torrance County Detention Facility, which relies on ICE funding for 80% of its budget, could shut down if the legislation passes, creating costly logistical issues for relocating detainees.
- Otero County Processing Center, financed through a 2007 revenue bond, still has outstanding payments until 2028. If closed, the bond could default, potentially discouraging future investments in Otero County.
The proposed policy change could also force detained migrants to be relocated to out-of-state facilities, shifting the burden elsewhere.
Next Steps in the Legislative Process
The Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee will review the bill in a session beginning at 1:30 p.m. MDT, which will be available for online viewing.
Although Democrats control both chambers of the legislature, the bill has faced opposition. In the House vote, four Democrats joined all 21 Republicans in voting against it, and five additional Democrats were absent.
As the debate continues, New Mexico lawmakers must weigh the humanitarian concerns raised by advocates against the economic and logistical challenges that could arise if the state cuts ties with immigration detention centers .
