SANTA FE — Today, Senator Ron Griggs (R-Alamogordo) and Senator Bill Burt (R-Alamogordo) lead the effort to table Senate Bill 172 (SB 172). SB 172 would have prohibited law enforcement agencies and officials, along with units of state or local governments, from entering into or renewing any type of agreement, including intergovernmental service agreements, to house or detain individuals for federal civil immigration violations. The bill was ultimately defeated by the Senate with an 18-20 vote. All Republicans and several Democrats voted against it.
“I thank my colleagues for voting against this bill that would have directly impacted my community,” said Senator Burt. “We have a state-of-the-art facility in Otero County that provides appropriate accommodations for those in custody and gainful employment for many of our citizens. I encourage my colleagues who have doubts about the need for this type of facility to visit my community and see that this investment is needed for the citizens and asylum seekers in our area.”
“When the I.C.E. alternative to using facilities like ours is housing detainees in makeshift tents, I think even the advocates for this legislation would see our county’s detention facility as a necessity, added Senator Griggs. “Keeping this facility open is best for both our county and those it houses.”
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