Latest news with #NMILC
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
New Mexico Immigrant Law Center feeling impact of federal cuts to unaccompanied minors program
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Amid the Trump administration's crackdown on illegal immigration, on Friday, the federal government ended contracts with programs across the country that provide legal aid to unaccompanied migrant children. One of those terminated contracts was with the Unaccompanied Children Program at the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center. Story continues below Investigation: DWI cases Albuquerque officers and paralegal made disappear Crime: Santa Fe Police identify man who was killed in hit-and-run Don't Miss: Rio Rancho to review plans to redevelop old country club golf course 'It was devastating to be honest with you,' said Andres Santiago, Associate Managing Attorney at NMILC. 'The immigration system is a complicated system. We know this. And to expect a child to have to navigate that on their own is unconscionable.' He also noted how the immigration court for the state is in El Paso. With NMILC's help, the unaccompanied minors can get help moving the hearings to virtual hearings. He said their clients range in age from high school to just a few years old. 'They're fleeing really horrible situations, and for a lot of these kids, their parents or legal guardians aren't with them,' he said. According to NMILC, more than 300 kids statewide face deportation. 'The impact is huge,' Santiago said of the funding cut. The cut in funding directly impacts 212 of the law center's cases, with some kids having court dates as soon as Friday. NMILC is reviewing its cases and plans to continue representing its clients while they can. 'We have a legal obligation to these kids, we have a legal agreement with these kids to represent them as their attorneys,' said Santiago. The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2008 created special protections for children who arrive in the U.S. without a parent or a legal guardian. The deputy press secretary at Health and Human Services told the Associated Press in an emailed statement that the department 'continues to meet the legal requirements established' by the Act, as well as a legal settlement guiding how children in immigration custody are being treated. A copy of the termination letter obtained by The Associated Press said the contract was being terminated 'for the Government's convenience.' Meanwhile, NMILC is scrambling to find funding. It is now heavily relying on donations and has launched a campaign to raise $1.5 million to make up for the loss of funding. 'Administration after administration have realized the special protections that are needed for unaccompanied children,' said Santiago. 'I understand there's going to be critics on everything, but I think we can all agree that kids deserve a fair shot in the country regardless of whether they're born in the country or not.' According to the NMILC, the cuts to this funding leave more than 26,000 unaccompanied minors without access to legal counsel nationwide. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Are There ICE Raids Happening In New Mexico?
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – President Donald Trump has made it no secret that he plans to shake up the status quo on how the United States operates regarding immigration, promising mass deportation efforts. So how are those efforts going so far in New Mexico? This week on the New Mexico News Insiders Podcast, Sophia Genovese, Asylum and Detention Managing Attorney with the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center joins Chris and Gabby to provide context and answer the main questions and concerns the NMILC is getting from the public. Genovese says their office has been flooded with thousands of phone calls under the new presidential administration. 'We run the full gamut of humanitarian protection,' explained Genovese, of the NMILC. 'We are the only statewide nonprofit who provides free legal services to immigrants all across the state.' Genovese explains that the number one question her nonprofit receives is, 'How can I get my papers, how can I apply for status?' The answer is often nuanced and complex. 'Not everyone can just apply for a green card,' said Genovese. You can't just get in line because there's no line. There's no general application for citizenship.' So, have there been any confirmed ICE raids in New Mexico? What might that look like? And what should someone do if they're approached about their legal status in the country? Those questions and more are answered in the full discussion above. Stay informed with the latest news by subscribing to the New Mexico News Insiders Podcast wherever you listen. Download new episodes of the New Mexico News Insiders every Tuesday, starting around 5:30 a.m., Mountain time. Episodes are available on most podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Podbean, among others. You can also watch our podcasts in video form both on-air or online. Tune in to an abbreviated version of the New Mexico News Insiders podcast on broadcast television every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. on Fox New Mexico. Full video episodes are posted on KRQE's YouTube page at Having trouble finding the show? Try searching your favorite podcast player with the term 'KRQE' or 'New Mexico News Insiders' (without the quotes). You can also use the links above to find the podcast on each service or listen to the audio player at the top of this post. If you have a question, comment, or suggestion for who should be interviewed on the podcast, let us know! Email your hosts at or Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
