Advocates for immigrants are seeking legislative relief for those they represent who may be next in the crosshairs of the U.S. Immigrant and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detentions. As of now, the location of 48 immigrants detained by ICE officials remains unknown.
According to one attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico, nobody “know[s] what’s happened to these four dozen New Mexicans. They’ve effectively disappeared.”
Can lawmakers act swiftly enough?
That remains to be seen, and for the four dozen individuals who remain in captivity at some undisclosed location, it could become a case of too little, too late. It is important to understand that roughly half of those being held have never been convicted of any crimes.
Why that matters
Under the tenets of the Fourth Amendment, people have the right “to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause…”
Apprehending someone for detention when they have committed no crimes is considered a civil and “a human rights violation.” Seeking legislative solutions to protect the rights of all New Mexicans is a lofty goal that may still be possible.
Never leave your future, freedoms to chance
There are many changes afoot at both the federal and state levels across the country. Many affect immigrants’ and even American citizens’ civil rights. If you experience violations against your person or home, or your family members’ life or liberty is at stake due to authorities’ overreach, you may need to turn to the New Mexico civil court system for a judicial solution.