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New Mexico State Representatives, with the support of many organizations and coalitions and the New Mexico Inclusive Democracy Project, announced a constitutional amendment to increase voter access in New Mexico.

Lawmakers Introduce Constitutional Amendment that voters will approve in 2018 statewide election

For Immediate Release

Contact Rebecca Glenn, 505-720-8918, OLÉ or Andrea Serrano, OLÉ/NM Inclusive Democracy Project, 505-688-139

Sanctuaries have legal protections

Trump and his Republican allies are supportive of eliminating funds for cities and "sanctuary" counties, but a recent report from the progressive group "Demos" noted that sanctuaries have protections under the Constitution and local laws.

When Garry Civitello phoned into CSPAN during my guest appearance, asking for advice on how to deal with his prejudice—how to “become a better American”—to say I was caught off guard would be an understatement.

Our research shows that state and local policies shielding immigration status information are generally permitted. Local law enforcement’s refusal to honor federal immigration detainer requests is also permitted and may even be required to avoid liability for constitutional violations.

Nuestras investigaciones demuestran como las normas estatales y locales que protegen a información sobre el status migratorio de la gente son generalmente permitidas. Por parte de la policía local, la denegación de honrar a solicitudes que detengan a los inmigrantes, también es permitida y aún puede ser requerida para evitar violaciones de la Constitución.

“I was the victim of wage theft, exploitation, and of a stolen paycheck. I was never paid for time I regularly worked before clocking in. Every time I spoke up about the problem I was retaliated against by having my hours cut and my shifts changed.”

New Report Provides Overview of Legal Tools for State and Local Governments and Institutions to Establish Sanctuary Policies for Inclusive Local Democracies

Under the Constitution and anti-discrimination laws, local governments can protect immigrants. This was reaffirmed a report entitled "Sanctuaries, Safety and Community: Tools for welcoming immigrants through local democracy", which detailed the mechanisms available for cities to provide protection to undocumented immigrants.