New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez Rescinds Sanctuary Status

Katie Pavlich | February 03, 2011 11:10 AM

Here's a story the mainstream media missed.

New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez has signed an executive order rescinding New Mexico's illegal alien sanctuary status and has directed police to inquire about legal status when making arrests. The executive order does however prohibit law enforcement officers from inquiring about the legal status of crime victims.

“This order takes the handcuffs off of New Mexico’s law enforcement officers in their mission to keep our communities safe,” said Governor Martinez. “The criminal justice system should have the authority to determine the immigration status of all criminals, regardless of race or ethnicity, and report illegal immigrants who commit crimes to federal authorities. Meanwhile, it is important that we safeguard the ability of victims and witnesses to report crimes to law enforcement officers without fear of repercussion.”

This executive order reverses a previous executive order put into place by former Democrat Governor Bill Richardson that allowed for illegal aliens to live in the state without consequences for breaking the law by entering the country illegally.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Susana Martinez, Governor of the State of New
Mexico, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the State of New Mexico, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:

1. Executive Order 2005-019 is rescinded and this Executive Order shall supersede it;
2. State law enforcement officers shall not inquire about the immigration status of crime victims, witnesses, or others who call or approach law enforcement seeking assistance or reporting a crime; and

3. State law enforcement officers shall inquire into the criminal suspect’s immigration status, and report relevant information to federal immigration enforcement authorities.

THIS ORDER supersedes any other previous orders, proclamations, or directives to the extent they are in conflict. This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.