On Tuesday morning, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted raids at three construction sites in Santa Fe, resulting in the arrest of at least seven workers. The operations were captured on video by Gina Auz, a member of the Santa Fe Rapid Response team, who arrived shortly after the raid began on a site off Agua Fria Road in south Santa Fe.
Community reaction
“When you see the families, and when you see the faces of the people over there, you feel like, ‘no, it’s not right’,” Auz said, emphasizing the emotional toll on immigrant families who lack local support networks.
New Mexico Home Builders Association CEO Miles Conway expressed deep concern for the workers and their families. “I think I entered that state of grieving, you know—grieving for workers who are encountering incredibly stressful situations with their families, maybe displaced from their families,” he said.
Conway noted that more than 30 percent of the state’s construction workforce is foreign‑born. “They’re trying to go to work. They’re trying to earn a living, support their families and participate in our society in a very beneficial and productive way,” he added.
Economic impact
Beyond the human cost, Conway warned of broader economic consequences. “People are not going to work. They’re not going to supply houses. They’re not going out and buying lunch,” he explained, suggesting that the raids could slow local construction and reduce consumer spending.
He also questioned the federal approach, asking, “Is there a targeted campaign right now, or are we just rounding up everybody that has the wrong color skin?” Conway called for clear guidance from the Department of Homeland Security.
Local government response
During a Santa Fe County commission meeting that evening, officials said ICE agents likely staged at nearby Romero Park before moving to the construction sites. The county had passed an ordinance on September 30 prohibiting ICE staging on county property, and the city of Santa Fe adopted a similar ordinance the following day. Both measures have a 90‑day implementation period.
Commissioners stressed that the new rules are intended to protect residents from federal enforcement actions on publicly owned land, while acknowledging the need for cooperation with lawful immigration enforcement.
Employer responsibilities
When asked about verifying workers’ legal status, Conway said employers are required to obtain eligible documentation from employees and to assess its authenticity. He emphasized that the burden of proof lies with the employer, not the workers.
KOAT has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comment on the legal status of those arrested and the exact number of individuals detained. A response is pending.
Looking ahead
The community’s response underscores the tension between federal immigration enforcement and local efforts to safeguard families and the regional economy. As the new ordinances take effect, Santa Fe officials and business leaders will watch closely to see how the balance between public safety and economic stability unfolds.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
