NEW MEXICO – After President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders targeting immigration, New Mexico lawmakers have vowed to resist. Trump’s second inauguration on Monday marked the beginning of his return to the White House, and his administration wasted no time in addressing immigration and border security.
“The Golden Age of America begins right now,” declared Donald J. Trump, the 47th President of the United States, during his inaugural speech. He added, “Today, I will sign a series of historic executive orders. With these actions, we will begin the complete restoration of America and the revolution of common sense. It’s all about common sense.”
Among the executive orders signed on his first day back in office, Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border. “All illegal entry will be immediately halted, and we will be returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places from which they came,” he announced.
Major Immigration Policy Changes
Trump’s executive orders outlined several sweeping changes:
Ending Birthright Citizenship: Trump’s order seeks to end the practice of granting citizenship to children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents, which would directly challenge the 14th Amendment of the Constitution.
Declaring Cartels as Foreign Terrorists: The administration plans to classify cartels as terrorist organizations, which could bring tougher enforcement measures.
Reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” Policy: This controversial policy would require asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases are processed in U.S. courts.
Ending the “Catch and Release” Policy: Undocumented immigrants will no longer be allowed to remain in the U.S. while awaiting court hearings.
Deploying Federal Troops to Border States: Federal resources will be sent to states bordering Mexico to enhance security and enforcement.
New Mexico Leaders Stand Firm
New Mexico lawmakers are not holding back in their opposition to Trump’s policies. Representative Melanie Stansbury called the executive orders an attempt to instill fear among immigrant communities. “I know that many New Mexicans, especially families of mixed status, are extremely frightened,” said Stansbury. “This is about scaring people into submission, and we will not stand for it.”
Stansbury emphasized that the state’s five-member delegation is prepared to fight back. “What I want all New Mexicans to know is that we are doing everything we can to protect your constitutional and legal rights,” she assured.
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez also voiced his opposition, stating, “We will not hesitate to resist any enforcement action that violates the law or the Constitution.” Torrez reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the rights of all New Mexicans and ensuring that no community faces unjust treatment.
Legal Challenges Expected
Lawmakers and legal experts believe many of Trump’s executive orders will face immediate court challenges. Stansbury pointed out that ending birthright citizenship would directly violate the U.S. Constitution. “These orders are not just harmful; they are legally questionable,” she said.
The reinstatement of the “Remain in Mexico” policy and the deployment of federal troops are also expected to draw lawsuits from civil rights groups and immigrant advocacy organizations.
Statements from State Leaders
Senator Ben Ray Luján expressed his concerns after attending the inauguration. “The peaceful transition of power is a sacred cornerstone of our democracy, and I remain committed to upholding it,” Luján said in a statement. “As the new administration takes office, my work for New Mexico remains the same. I will hold the administration accountable when I see injustice.”
Attorney General Torrez added that his office will work to ensure that federal policies do not violate the rights of New Mexicans. “By fostering collaboration, transparency, and accountability, we aim to build a future where everyone can thrive,” he stated.
Looking Ahead
Trump’s aggressive approach to immigration has reignited debates across the country. Supporters argue that these measures are necessary to protect national security, while critics believe they target vulnerable communities and disregard constitutional protections.
As legal challenges and political resistance unfold, the future of Trump’s immigration policies remains uncertain. What’s clear, however, is that New Mexico lawmakers and leaders are determined to stand firm in defense of their communities and values.
Disclaimer—Our team has checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any misinformation. We are committed to providing clear and reliable information for our readers.
