New Mexico lawmakers tour Otero County Processing Center
CHAPARRAL, New Mexico (KVIA) -- A bipartisan delegation of New Mexico lawmakers toured the Otero County Processing Center today, a federal immigration detention facility that houses more than 1,000 migrants awaiting deportation.
The privately operated center, located near Chaparral, contracts with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and employs roughly 300 full-time staff. It is one of three detention facilities in the state that operate under similar contracts.
The visit comes as Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham weighs whether to call a special legislative session, which could consider a ban on these facilities. Supporters of the proposal argue the state should not profit from immigration detention, while opponents warn a ban would eliminate hundreds of local jobs.
Following the tour, Republican lawmakers praised the facility and criticized the governor’s potential legislation.
“Today’s tour was eye-opening,” Sen. Crystal Brantley (R-Elephant Butte) said. “This facility provides good jobs in Otero County and ensures detainees are treated humanely—far better than any alternative I’ve seen. ICE will do their job no matter what. Our choice is simple: a clean, safe, and accountable facility here, or one where we have no say in how detained migrants are treated.”
“This misguided legislation being considered by the Governor will only cost hundreds of New Mexicans their jobs. I witnessed firsthand humane conditions and an efficient process that treats people with respect and dignity," Sen. Nick Paul (R-Alamogordo) added. "Instead of focusing on political antics, the Governor and her Democratic allies in the legislature ought to focus on the real issues New Mexicans face every day.”
ABC-7 has contacted the offices of New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and Congressman Gabe Vasquez for comment.
Stay tuned for more details in our evening newscasts.
