Some state lawmakers say they’re concerned about the economic impact now that local governments are no longer able to contract with ICE for detention centers.

The Immigrant Safety Act, which Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed Feb. 5, prohibits public bodies such as counties and sheriff’s departments from entering or renewing contracts with ICE detention centers.

New Mexico has three detention facilities in Cibola, Otero and Torrance counties. If the detention center in Cibola County were to close, the total economic impact could be the loss of $20 million in economic activity, according to a formal resolution passed by the Cibola County Board of County Commissioners.

But the new law doesn’t mean the centers will disappear. A privately-run detention center could continue operations by contracting directly with the federal government.

The resolution shared Cibola County’s concern that ending local contracts, “would not reduce the number of individuals detained by federal immigration authorities.”

The state is well-equipped to tackle any potential job losses tied to detention contracts said one of the bills sponsors, Rep. Eleanor Chavez, D-Albuquerque.  “We do know that Workforce Solutions has some programs available for people who lose their jobs in situations like this… prepare them for a different career, or facilitate that.” 

Concerns over economic fallout have been specifically pronounced in Torrance County. The Torrance County Detention Facility is located in Estancia, a town of about 1,300 located an hour east of Albuquerque.

Sen. Elizabeth “Liz” Stefanics, a Democrat from Cerrillos whose district includes the county, questioned the impact on jobs.  “I don’t believe a high percentage of people who work there are from Torrance County.” 

Rep. Stefani Lord, a Republican who also represents Torrance County, emphasized that the bill threatens the county’s ability to fund essential services. 

“We cannot make our payroll. It would completely devastate and close down Estancia and most of my Torrance County,” Lord said. 

Lord disagreed with the idea that there are alternative employment options readily available. “There is no way to put people into the workforce…there’s nowhere else to work but that facility.” 

House Bill 9 is officially law but its long-term effects on detention operations and rural economies remain uncertain as the state waits to see if federal authorities continue detention through private contracts beyond the reach of the state.