New Mexico high court declines emergency bid to halt Otero County–ICE arrangement

OTERO COUNTY, N.M. — The New Mexico Supreme Court has turned down an emergency petition from the state attorney general seeking to block Otero County’s contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement for detainee housing at the county’s Chaparral facility.

Attorney General Raúl Torrez asked the justices earlier this month to intervene, arguing the county’s agreement with federal immigration authorities violated the state’s Immigrant Safety Act. The petition sought immediate relief to prevent Otero County from continuing the arrangement while the legal dispute moves forward.

In a unanimous action, all five justices denied the emergency request, meaning there will be no immediate court-ordered halt to the county’s work with ICE. The denial does not resolve the underlying legal questions but does allow the contract to remain in place for now.

County leaders responded by noting the ruling preserves local employment tied to the facility and maintains related payroll and bond obligations that officials say are significant to the community. They framed the decision as protecting regional jobs and financial stability while the matter proceeds through the court system.

The move leaves the dispute poised to continue in regular court proceedings rather than by emergency intervention. For residents and local officials, the ruling provides short-term certainty about the facility’s operation while the larger legal arguments are addressed.