New Mexico Supreme Court Affirms Otero County ICE Detention Contract Amid AG Challenge

POLICY WIRE — Otero County, New Mexico — The New Mexico Supreme Court has rejected a request by the state’s Attorney General to prevent Otero County from continuing its agreement with federal immigration authorities.

The state’s highest judicial body delivered a ruling against Attorney General Raúl Torrez’s efforts to nullify an existing contract between Otero County and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This decision specifically upholds Otero County’s arrangement for housing immigrant detainees at a facility located in Chaparral.

Attorney General’s Challenge to ICE Agreement

Earlier this month, Attorney General Torrez formally petitioned the high court. He sought to halt Otero County’s ability to enter into or maintain agreements with federal immigration agencies for detainee housing.

Torrez contended that this particular partnership was in contravention of the state’s Immigrant Safety Act, arguing it undermined protections for immigrants within New Mexico.

Supreme Court’s Unanimous Decision

Unanimously, all five Supreme Court justices dismissed the emergency petition filed by the Attorney General. Their collective decision allows the current ICE contract with Otero County to proceed without interruption.

Local Economic Impact and Reaction

In response to the ruling, Otero County officials expressed satisfaction. They stated that this judicial outcome secures hundreds of local jobs tied to the operation of the detention facility.

Officials further emphasized the protection of millions of dollars in wages and other economic contributions to the region, highlighting the fiscal importance of the continuing **ICE** contract for the local economy.