Dona Ana County commissioners pass resolution opposing ICE operations

Dona Ana County commissioners approved a resolution opposing ICE operations of immigrants in the county Tuesday.

County Commissioner Ramon Gonzalez of District 2 proposed the statement in response to high-profile immigration enforcement operations on Feb. 15 in Las Cruces and Vado.

In a statement attached to Tuesday’s resolution Gonzalez said, “Residents of our immigrant communities may seek to avoid law enforcement and the judicial system for fear of contact with ICE, which may cause crimes to go unreported and unresolved. As a sign that we value safe communities and keeping families together, I ask for this resolution.”

After a lengthy discussion and dozens of people giving public input, the commission approved the statement 4-1. Commissioner Ben Rawson voted against it.