ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Two weeks since President Donald Trump announced mass deportations of illegal immigrants in the country, there has been increased concern by businesses here in New Mexico should ice come knocking at their door. “There is a lot of fear across all communities in New Mexico, immigrants and citizens alike,” said Sophia Genovese, managing attorney for the asylum and detention programs at the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center.
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At the start of his term, President Trump issued an executive order for the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants in the country. “ICE can technically enter a waiting room of a restaurant, for example, but they cannot enter private parts of the business, such as a kitchen or private office spaces in the back,” said Genovese.
There have been major operations in cities like Chicago, New York, and even parts of Florida, but not any big ones have been reported in New Mexico.
On Wednesday, the city of Albuquerque held a webinar for businesses on what to do if immigration agents show up at their doorstep. “We have been flooded with questions from folks for all sorts of reasons. Many concerned about their safety. Many terrified. But also businesses adhering to city policies and guidelines but not breaking federal law,” said Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller.
Members of the state’s Immigration Law Center said these raids could place a strain on businesses. “Immigrants are all throughout the workforce, right? It’s not just restaurants and kitchens. It’s healthcare. It’s child care. It’s out in the communities and being involved civically,” said Genovese.
The Immigration Law Center also warned that procedures would not be followed by immigration officials who may try to expedite deportation or detention actions. The ILC explained private business owners have rights saying they can deny ICE access unless they have a warrant.
“What we do see the government doing is trying to remove people as quickly as possible, even if it’s improper under the law,” said Genovese.
There are three ICE detention facilities across the state of New Mexico.