Protecting our community members is up to us.

Summer Ludwig, Chair, DPVC

ICE and Immigration Enforcement activities are occurring in Valencia County, and, while we haven’t seen large scale raids, we have seen folks disappeared in front of their children, people without criminal records. We need to act now before the situation escalates. I am asking each of you to consider how you can use your voice to help our most vulnerable communities. 

Last night, I spoke during the public comment period at the Belen City Council. The text of that comment is below. Please consider attending upcoming meetings of your own municipalities and the County Commission to do the same. Of course, say what you would like to, I am just providing this text as a resource if you’d like to use it. 

“Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to speak tonight. I’m here because I believe that as a City, we have both the right and the responsibility to protect our residents—all of our residents—from fear, confusion, and harm that can arise when federal immigration enforcement activities take place in our community.

The first step I urge the City to consider is requiring all federal agents operating within Belen to wear visible identification and prohibiting the use of masks during immigration operations.
This isn’t about politics—it’s about accountability and safety. When agents are clearly identified, our local law enforcement can confirm who is operating in our city and prevent misunderstandings that could escalate into unnecessary conflict or fear among residents.

The second step is to require our local law enforcement to verify the identity of federal agents when they are deployed to sites of enforcement activity.
This simple verification process would ensure coordination between jurisdictions and uphold transparency in our community. It also protects both residents and officers by preventing impersonation and confusion.

The third step is to formally designate and protect “sensitive locations” within our city—places like schools, churches, urgent care, resource centers, and peaceful public demonstrations.
These are spaces where families seek care, education, refuge, or the freedom to speak. They must remain safe from the disruption and fear that immigration raids create. Establishing this protection aligns with both our values as a compassionate community and best practices followed by other cities across the nation.

These steps together would not only improve public safety and trust but also affirm that Belen is a community grounded in dignity, fairness, and humanity.

I ask the Council to direct staff to explore these measures formally, and to work with local advocates, law enforcement, and community members to craft a policy that reflects who we are—a city that protects its people.

Thank you for your time and your leadership.”