Advocates Decry Spike in ICE Arrests in Santa Fe, Prompting Protests and Official Response
Immigration agents have conducted over a dozen arrests in Santa Fe since Sunday, marking a significant escalation in enforcement compared to previous piecemeal operations. This surge in arrests has sparked fear within the community and led to protests, including one at the Roundhouse where an 8-year-old, Allison Enriquez, led chants against ICE. Elected officials have responded by reaffirming their commitment to strengthening policies that protect immigrants. New Mexico House Majority Leader Reena Szczepanski, a Santa Fe Democrat, stated that these arrests occurred without the cooperation of state and local law enforcement, citing the Immigrant Safety Act passed in the last legislative session, which prohibits such collaboration. While some individuals arrested have been released, many remain detained in New Mexico, prompting calls from advocates like Leger Fernández for ICE not to transfer detainees to other states, where family access would be difficult. 
