City of Santa Fe Reaffirms Policy Limiting Police Involvement in Federal Immigration Enforcement

The City of Santa Fe is reaffirming its long-standing policy that restricts the Santa Fe Police Department from assisting federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, except as required by law or pursuant to a judicial warrant.

City Council Resolution 1999-6, reaffirmed in Resolution 2017-19, declares that no municipal resources will be used to identify or apprehend any non-citizen resident solely on the basis of immigration status, unless otherwise lawfully required to do so.

Click here to view the Santa Fe Police Department directive and the reference to City Council Resolution 1999-6. The full policy is available through the City of Santa Fe website.

The policy clearly defines the roles of ICE and the Santa Fe Police Department. ICE is solely responsible for immigration enforcement, while the Santa Fe Police Department operates under the guidelines of City Council Resolutions 1999-6 and 2017-19. The policy also outlines when the Santa Fe Police Department may contact ICE and the process to do so, which requires approval by a shift commander.

Under city policy, the Santa Fe Police Department may contact ICE only in cases involving a person arrested for:

• Concealing identity

• A violent crime against another person, including homicide, robbery, sexual assault, and felony domestic violence cases, where serious injury is caused

• Human trafficking

• Narcotics trafficking

• Gang activity

• Organized crime organizations

• Other felonious crimes

The Santa Fe Police Department does not participate in the enforcement of federal immigration laws. The department's authority is limited to enforcing state laws and local ordinances. While the department may cooperate with federal agencies on serious criminal investigations that impact public safety, it does not conduct or assist with immigration enforcement.

This policy is intended to ensure that local law enforcement resources remain focused on public safety and community policing, while fostering trust between residents and first responders. Santa Fe police do not inquire into an individual's immigration status during routine interactions and do not participate in civil immigration enforcement activities.

"Public safety depends on trust," said Mayor Michael Garcia. "This policy helps ensure that all Santa Fe residents feel safe reporting crimes, seeking help, and cooperating with law enforcement without fear."

The City emphasizes that this policy complies with state and federal law and does not prevent cooperation in criminal investigations or situations involving valid court orders.

The Santa Fe Police Department does conduct undercover operations that require stealth and discretion. In those cases, officers are clearly marked as Santa Fe Police and will identify themselves as such when questioned.

If community members encounter masked individuals who are not clearly identified as law enforcement and have safety concerns, they are encouraged to contact the Santa Fe Police Department immediately by calling (505) 428-3710 or 911 in an emergency.

Click here to read this press release in Spanish.