Albuquerque's Resolution R-18-44 reaffirms its immigrant-friendly stance, limits Albuquerque Police Department cooperation with civil ICE detainers, and bars officers from inquiring into immigration status during routine encounters.
Resolution R-18-44, adopted by the Albuquerque City Council in 2018, declares Albuquerque an immigrant-friendly city and codifies APD policy limiting cooperation with federal civil immigration enforcement. Officers are generally prohibited from inquiring about immigration status during routine stops, asking for documentation unrelated to a criminal investigation, or holding individuals solely on civil ICE detainers without a judicial warrant. The resolution complements APD's reform program under the 2014 DOJ settlement agreement and emphasizes building community trust so victims and witnesses report crime. Federal criminal warrants and joint task forces remain unaffected by the policy.
Federal authorities can still operate in Albuquerque, but APD officers who violate the resolution by detaining residents on civil ICE holds or inquiring into status can face internal discipline and civil liability.
See how Albuquerque's sanctuary policy preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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