June 2023
Workers denounce discrimination suffered at South Valley Care Center
ALBUQUERQUE, NM– At a press conference on Wednesday, former South Valley Care Center employees, María A Perez & María Nevarez, with the support of El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos (El CENTRO), a local immigrants’ rights and workers’ justice organization, publicly denounced the discrimination they suffered at the nursing home. The workers committee created by María A. Perez and María E. Nevarez, known as “Las Marías”, submitted claims with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission (EEOC) alleging continuous discrimination.
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October 15, 2021
Santa Fe, New Mexico – On Thursday, New Mexico-based immigrant groups kicked off a statewide week of action with a rally in front of the capitol building demanding Congress and the President deliver legalization with permanent protections against deportation for undocumented essential workers through the budget reconciliation package. Somos Un Pueblo Unido, EL CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos, and NM CAFé are convenors of the series of actions.
June 25th, 2021
SANTA FE, NM – On Friday, the NM Human Services Department (HSD) announced it was extending the deadline for applications for economic relief to New Mexicans who did not qualify for federal pandemic stimulus payments, including undocumented residents and those from mixed immigration status families. The program is aimed at providing financial relief from the hardships caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency.
June 23, 2021
SANTA FE, NM – On Monday, June 14 at 9 a.m. the New Mexico Human Services Department (HDS) began accepting applications for economic relief from New Mexico residents who did not qualify for federal pandemic stimulus payments, including undocumented residents and those from mixed status families. The program is aimed at providing financial relief from the hardship caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency.
May 24, 2021
EL CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos, NM Comunidades de Fe en Acción (CAFé), Somos Un Pueblo Unido, New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions and the U.S. Wage and Hour Division will host a virtual Facebook Live forum on Wednesday, May 26th from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. The event will feature experts from New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions and the U.S. Wage and Hour Division.
May 6, 2021
EL CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos, NM Comunidades de Fe en Acción (CAFé), Somos Un Pueblo Unido, Partnership for Community Action, and NM Voices for Children will host a virtual Facebook Live forum on Tuesday, May 11th from 6:00-7:00 PM. The event will feature tax experts from NM Voices for Children and the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department.
July 16th, 2018
Santa Fe, N.M. – On Monday, July 16th at 1:00 PM, immigrant-based organizations and civil rights advocacy groups converged at the Courts, Corrections and Justice Committee of the New Mexico Legislature to advocate for the end of privately run detention centers and prisons in New Mexico.
“We Are All New Mexico” Lifting Up the Contributions of Workers and Immigrant Communities
May 1st, 2018
Albuquerque, N.M. – On May 1st, International Workers’ Day, immigrant and refugee communities, workers and allies in Albuquerque will come together at Barelas Park to celebrate and recognize the countless contributions that immigrant communities and all workers make to the cultural, economic and social fabric of Albuquerque.
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller Signs Immigrant Friendly Resolution
April 24th, 2018
Albuquerque, N.M. – After the Albuquerque City Council approved Resolution 18-7, strengthening Albuquerque’s status as an immigrant-friendly City on a 6:3 vote, Albuquerque Mayor, Tim Keller, stood for New Mexican working families by signing this resolution.
Albuquerque City Council Approved Immigrant Friendly Resolution
April 16th, 2018
Albuquerque, N.M. – On a 6:3 vote (Councillors Benton, Borrego, Davis, Gibson, Peña, Sanchez voting in favor and Harris, Jones and Winter voting against) the Albuquerque City Council approved Resolution 18-7, strengthening Albuquerque’s status as an immigrant-friendly City.
March 26th, 2018
Albuquerque, N.M. – On a 4:0 bi-partisan vote (Davis, Peña, Sanchez, and Winter with Councilor Harris absent) today the Albuquerque City Council Finance and Government Operations Committee unanimously approved Resolution 18-7, strengthening Albuquerque’s status as an immigrant-friendly City. Hundreds of Albuquerque residents turned out in support.
Elected Officials, Community, and Business Leaders Denounce ICE Enforcement in Albuquerque
March 22nd, 2018
Albuquerque, N.M. – At a press conference with elected officials, small business owners, and community and economic development leaders will denounce the uptick of ICE activity in Albuquerque and will outline steps being taken to protect Albuquerque families, businesses, and economy.
Wage theft lawsuit concludes in win for New Mexico workers
March 11th, 2018
Santa Fe, N.M. – After hearing public testimony, First Judicial District Court Judge David K. Thomson approved a class action settlement agreement between workers and workers’ rights organizations and the Department of Workforce Solutions (DWS) that ensures state government will carry out its duty to enforce New Mexico’s strong anti-wage theft laws and hold employers accountable when they violate these laws.
March 6th, 2018
Albuquerque, N.M. – A group of former employees from Hacienda del Rio and members of El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos, an immigrant rights and worker justice organization, held a protest today to demand the collection of their stolen wages as ordered by the County of Bernalillo Second Judicial District Court.
U.S. Senate Rejects Trump’s Nativist, Racist Agenda on Immigration
February 15th, 2018
Albuquerque, N.M. – The U.S. Senate defeated Trump’s immigration plan by rejecting Toomey proposal (S. Amdt. 1948) and Rounds-King proposal (S. Amdt. 1958). The votes come after months of intense negotiations and activism sparked by Trump’s killing of the DACA and TPS programs which have put millions of immigrants in danger.
Faith-Based and Immigrants’ Rights Organizations Unite to Demand ICE out of ABQ
January 24th, 2018
Albuquerque, N.M. – In light of the recent detention of Juan Martinez, an Albuquerque immigrant worker and father of four children, and an uptick of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in Albuquerque, El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos and the New Mexico Faith Coalition for Immigrant Justice joined forces at a vigil to highlight the chilling impact that ICE is having on public safety.
January 17th, 2018
Albuquerque, N.M. – Albuquerque’s immigrant communities, victims advocates, civil liberty and faith-based organizations, workers’ justice and economic development organizations joined together in support of the introduction of Resolution-18-7, co-sponsored by Albuquerque City Councilors Peña, to strengthen Albuquerque’s status as an “immigrant friendly” City.
December 20th, 2017
Santa Fe, N.M. – Workers and workers’ rights organizations that sued the Department of Workforce Solutions for its past failure to investigate and resolve wage claims concerning violations of NM’s wage payment laws held a press conference in at the Capitol Rotunda to announce a settlement agreement.
Proposed Albuquerque Sick Leave Bill Would Benefit Few Workers
December 15th, 2017
Albuquerque, N.M. – A coalition of workers and policy advocates said today that the earned sick days bill introduced by City Councilors Ken Sanchez and Don Harris would leave thousands of employees unable to earn paid time off to care for themselves.
Victory for New Mexican Working Families: Immigrant Workers Fight to Recuperate Stolen Wages
December 13th, 2017
Albuquerque, N.M. – Judge Sedillo of the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court ruled in favor of workers who suffered wage theft at Hope Head Start, a childcare facility in Albuquerque. In a default judgment, Judge Sedillo ordered Hope Head Start to pay former employees Sabina’s and Magdalena’s wages owed, including statutory damages.
November 30th, 2017
Albuquerque, N.M. – Today, a statewide network of immigrant rights, civil rights, and wildlife organizations delivered citizen petitions signed by over 3,000 New Mexicans to the offices of U.S. Senator Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich, calling on them to oppose President Trump’s FY 2018 DHS budget.
November 9th, 2017
Albuquerque, N.M. – Today local immigrants’ rights organizations are supporting young immigrants and their families from around the nation who are making a call for a clean #DreamActNow, before the end of the year, in Washington D.C.. Listo Nuevo México’s ‘social media storm’ comes as a way of supporting the National Day of Action where thousands of young immigrants, activists and allies will be staging massive walkouts demanding members of Congress pass a Clean Dream Act.
November 7th, 2017
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Department of Homeland Security announced late Monday, that it will not renew Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 2,500 Nicaraguans, and deferred a decision for 57,000 Hondurans.
Albuquerque Pro-Immigrant Groups Continue Demanding Congress for Clean Dream Act by December
November 2nd, 2017
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The following are statements from leaders of the Listo Nuevo México network after it was reported yesterday Trump rejected attaching a DACA fix to the year-end spending bill during a meeting with Republican Senators:
Healthy Workforce ABQ to Continue Fight for Workers’ Right to Earn Paid Sick Leave
October 4th, 2017
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Healthy Workforce ABQ, the campaign behind the proposed ordinance for earned sick days, vowed today to continue its fight to ensure that all workers have access to earned paid sick leave, after unofficial election returns showed a narrow margin of 718 votes against the ordinance.
September 26th, 2017
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Domestic violence and sexual assault survivors’ advocates spoke today about how the proposed Earned Paid Sick Days ordinance will help vulnerable families and their loved ones escape violent situations without losing a day’s pay, so they can build safe and financially-secure lives.
Lifting Up Immigrant Voices: Education Session for ABQ Mayoral Candidates
September 22nd, 2017
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Albuquerque mayoral candidates joined over immigrant families for the ‘Lifting Up Immigrant Voices: Education Session for ABQ Mayoral Candidates’ –Albuquerque’s first mayoral candidate educational session planned by and for immigrant communities.
Trump Announces the [Termination] of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program
September 5th, 2017
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Trump announced the [termination] of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program (DACA) putting over 800 thousand immigrant youth in immediate risk of deportation. In NM alone, close to 7 thousand people find themselves without the temporary protection from deportation.
September 5th, 2017
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – In the wake of the Trump’s administration’s announcement to rescind DACA, El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos (El CENTRO), the largest immigrants’ rights and workers’ justice organization in Albuquerque, allies, and elected officials denounced Trump’s decision as heartless, cruel, and counter to the cultural, moral, social, and economic interests of the nation.
Court Rejects Challenge to Earned Sick Leave Law Court Rejects Challenge to Earned Sick Leave Law
August 11, 2017
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – In a victory for Albuquerque’s working families, Honorable Judge Shannon Bacon threw out a challenge by business lobbyists to the Albuquerque Healthy Workforce Ordinance. Today’s ruling ensures that voters will have an opportunity to vote on earned sick days this fall at the October 3, 2017 municipal election.
Court Upholds Albuquerque Minimum Wage Law
August 10, 2017
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Honorable Judge Shannon Bacon threw out a challenge to the Albuquerque Minimum Wage Ordinance today, ruling that the results of the 2012 general election are final and cannot be challenged now.
August 8, 2017
BERNALILLO, N.M. – El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos lauded the decision of the Bernalillo County Commission to reject an anti-immigrant resolution tonight introduced by Commissioner Johnson.
August 4, 2017
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – On August 3rd, in a victory for advocates of earned sick leave, the Honorable Judge Alan Malott reaffirmed his prior ruling that the Albuquerque Healthy Workforce Ordinance must appear on the 2017 municipal election ballot.
August 3, 2017
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos denounced U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ attempt to coerce the City of Albuquerque into enforcing Trump’s federal deportation programs by threatening to withhold federal crime fighting dollars.
Coalition of Attorneys General Tell Trump to Protect, Maintain DACA
July 21st, 2017
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Immigrants’ rights organizations in New Mexico applaud the effort of 20 attorneys general –including NM Attorney General Hector Balderas– to protect the DACA program amid direct threats to end the proven successful relief.
House Republicans Approve Budget Aimed at Terrorizing, Separating Immigrant Families Nationwide
July 19th, 2017
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – In a show of hateful rhetoric, the Full House Appropriations Committee approved the FY2018 budget –on a completely partisan vote– aimed at fueling the inhumane enforcement and mass deportation plan by the Trump regime.
Immigrant Rights’ Organizations Oppose Introduction of Federal Anti-Immigrant, Anti-Sanctuary Bills
June 29th, 2017
ALBUQUERQUE— The U.S. House of Representatives voted on two anti-immigrant bills that would fuel Trump’s deportation machine. HR 3003: “No Sanctuary for Criminals Act” & HR 3004: “Kate’s Law”, undercut local law enforcement’s ability to keep our communities safe, jeopardize national security & criminalizes immigrants and refugees nationwide.
U.S. Supreme Court Disappoints by Reinstating Portions of Trump’s Infamous #MuslimBan
June 26th, 2017
ALBUQUERQUE— The U.S. Supreme Court granted the Trump administration’s request to allow some provisions of its Muslim Ban to go into effect immediately. Now families fleeing violence, famine, and war around the world will face a ban into our country unless they can prove close familial relationships with someone in the U.S. to live with or visit the United States.
Immigrant Communities Hold Mayoral Candidates Accountable: Real Leaders Do not Hide
May 23rd, 2017
ALBUQUERQUE— El CENTRO is attended the #RealTalk Mayoral Candidates’ Forum to urge all candidates not to repeat the mistakes of the current administration. Immigrants, low-wage workers, refugees and allies in Albuquerque will not stand by idly and allow a future mayor to force us back into the shadows.
ABQ “Rises-Up” on May Day Against Targeting and Persecution of Immigrants by Trump Administration
May 1st, 2017
ALBUQUERQUE— In the wake of President Trump’s first 100 days in office, El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos (El CENTRO), along with hundreds of immigrant families, low-wage workers, elected officials, faith leaders, labor unions, educators, and dozens of civil rights and community-based organizations will Rise Up in resistance to the Trump administration’s targeting of immigrant communities and working families at a peaceful rally at Tiguex Park.
Immigrant and Working Families Honoring César Chávez Legacy: Fighting Against Deportations
April 1st, 2017
ALBUQUERQUE— On Saturday 1st of April, El CENTRO joins the César Chávez march, to honor the legacy of United Farm Workers, in solidarity with communities of colors, and to send the message that immigrant communities are here to stay.
March 14, 2017
ALBUQUERQUE— In light of the recent uptake of ICE activity we at El CENTRO support the Bernalillo’s County Commission affirmation of Bernalillo as an “Immigrant Friendly County”.
February 22, 2017
ALBUQUERQUE— In the wake of memos issued yesterday by the Trump administration that create a blueprint for mass deportation in addition to an uptick of ICE activity targeting Albuquerque’s immigrant communities in past weeks, over 40 immigrant and refugee-based organizations, faith-based institutions, victims and civil rights advocates, and business leaders and approximately 375 community members turned out to urged the Albuquerque City Council.
February 4th, 2017
ALBUQUERQUE, NM– President Trump has issued executive orders relating to immigration enforcement at the border and in the interior.
ABQ Immigrant Community “Here to Stay” on Immigrant Day of Action
January 16, 2017
ALBUQUERQUE, NM—In addition to sending a delegation to Washington DC for a large mobilization on the National Day of Action for Immigrant Justice, dozens of members from El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos, a local immigrant’s rights and workers justice organization, joined the MLK march* in Albuquerque.
January 18, 2017
SANTA FE, NM– Today, New Mexicans whose legal rights were violated by the state Department of Workforce Solutions (DWS) announced the filing of a lawsuit to remedy the DWS’s failure to enforce our state’s wage payment laws.
ABQ Immigrant Community “Here to Stay” on Immigrant Day of Action
January 16, 2017
ALBUQUERQUE, NM—In addition to sending a delegation to Washington DC for a large mobilization on the National Day of Action for Immigrant Justice, dozens of members from El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos, a local immigrant’s rights and workers justice organization, joined the MLK march* in Albuquerque.
Healthy Workforce ABQ Sues City & County for Blocking Earned Sick Days Initiative
September 9, 2016
ALBUQUERQUE—Supporters of the Earned Sick Days ballot initiative sued Bernalillo County and the City of Albuquerque Thursday evening for denying it space on the November ballot.
September 9, 2016
ALBUQUERQUE, NM—Second district court Judge Alan Malott issued a temporary restraining order this afternoon, enjoining the Bernalillo County Clerk from printing ballots for the November election which do not contain a summary of the Healthy Workforce Ordinance.
September 8, 2016
ALBUQUERQUE, NM– The following is a statement from El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos regarding today’s decision by the Bernalillo County Commission against putting the Healthy Workforce ABQ initiative on the November ballot
June 23, 2016
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Today at a press conference, organizations representing ListoNM, families, elected officials, legal experts, and community allies denounced the outrageous decision by the Supreme Court to uphold the injunction on President Obama’s administrative relief programs–known as DACA+ and DAPA– which had been put on hold due to an anti-immigrant lawsuit spearheaded by the state of Texas. Upon implementation the programs could have benefitted more than 36,000 hard working families in New Mexico and 5 million immigrant families nationwide in addition to growing the economy.
June 3, 2015
ALBUQUERQUE, NM– At a press conference on Friday, former Garcia’s Kitchen employee, Pedro Maldonado, with the support of El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos (El CENTRO), a local immigrants’ rights and workers’ justice organization, will publicly denounce the discrimination he suffered at the restaurant. Maldonado, 34, is suing Garcia’s Kitchen under the New Mexico Human Rights Act for discriminating against him on account of his HIV status.
Media Statement: ABQ Trump’s Peaceful Rally
May 25, 2016
ALBUQUERQUE, NM– The following is a statement from El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos regarding the Protest Against Trump’s Hate and Bigotry.
Families Highlight Immigrant Contributions to NM and Unite Against Hate
May 15, 2016
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – On Sunday, May 15, 2016, El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos, members of the community, and families will be participating in the annual South Valley Celebration 2016 to honor and celebrate contributions made by immigrant communities to New Mexico.
April 18, 2016
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Today, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Texas v. United States, President Obama’s deferred action initiatives, DAPA and expanded DACA. These programs have been held up in the courts since Texas and 25 other states –in their majority Republican governors and attorneys general, sued the administration in December, 2014.
Workers Denounce Wage Theft: Demand their Stolen Wages
Feb. 26, 2016
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – A group of former employees from Hope Head Start and members of El CENTRO De Igualdad y Derechos, an immigrants’ rights and workers’ justice organization, held a protest today publicly denouncing their cases of wage theft. Wage theft is against the law and includes the failure to pay the mandated minimum wage, forcing workers to work off the clock, the non-payment of overtime, the non-payment of a final paycheck, and the misclassification of workers.
Feb. 25, 2016
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – A former Garcia’s Kitchen employee, with the support of El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos (El CENTRO), a local immigrants’ rights and workers’ justice organization, is publicly denouncing the discrimination he suffered at the restaurant due to his sexual orientation and the firing that resulted from his employer becoming aware of his HIV positive status.
Pro-Immigrant Advocates Launch a 9 Day “Fast to Keep Families Together”
October 15, 2015
ALBUQUERQUE, NM — As thousands of immigrant families continue to be torn apart every day by the 5th Circuit Court delay strategy on administrative relief, Nora Hernandez, a member of El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos, along with directly impacted immigrant families and national leaders representing faith, labor, civil rights and the community launched “The Fast to Keep Families Together” – a powerful 9 day fast and vigil outside the courthouse in New Orleans to demand the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals rule on the administrative relief case they have been sitting on for almost a year. A delay on the part of the 5th Circuit prevents the Supreme Court from making a final decision on DACA+ (expanded DACA) and DAPA and defers justice for millions of immigrant communities….
September 17, 2015
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Faith leaders, immigrant families, and elected officials will hold an interfaith procession and vigil in Albuquerque’s Barelas neighborhood in order to denounce the anti-immigrant sentiment currently dominating the current political debate on immigration and highlight the contributions of immigrants, and to echo the Pope’s message for migrant dignity….
Texas Circuit Court Judge Rules Against Immigrant Families
February 17, 2015
ALBUQUERQUE, NM- Late last night, U.S. District Court Judge Hanen of Brownsville, Texas, issued a preliminary injunction that temporarily blocks the implementation process of the new immigrant deferred action programs, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and the new Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA) programs. The ruling most likely pushes back the start date for millions of immigrants workers to come forward, register, and apply for work permits, which was planned to begin as soon as February 18, 2015 for Dreamers….
Albuquerque’s Communities of Faith Urge Compassion and Robust, Humane Action from President Obama
July 15, 2014
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Families impacted by the broken immigration system, faith leaders, and community members will come together at Immaculate Conception Catholic Parish at a community vigil to urge elected officials and community members to aspire to the best of the nation’s values such as compassion, fairness, justice, and “loving they neighbor.” The vigil was planned to address two different current tragedies: the 11-12 million immigrant families caught in the broken immigration system and the Central American children and families seeking refuge from violence in their countries of origin. They will urge President Obama do the right thing to act swiftly to jumpstart the process to allow millions of people to live, work, and continue contributing to this country AND he must do the right thing to protect, not deport children and families back to the violence and danger from which they are fleeing….
Deferred Action: a Positive Step Forward for the Nation and New Mexico
August 15th, 2012
ALBUQUERQUE, NM- Today, August 15th, 2012 the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) started accepting deferred action applications. Background: On June 15, 2012, President Barack Obama announced that the US Department of Homeland Security, (DH) would not deport certain undocumented youth. Under a directive from the secretary of DHS, these youth will be given a type of temporary permission to stay in the US called ‘deferred action.” Deferred action is valid for two years and may be renewed at the end of two years. Individuals who receive deferred action may apply for and may obtain employment authorization. Deferred action has been around for a long time and is a kind of temporary administrative relief from deportation which does not include a path to any form of permanent legalization. For this reason immigrants’ rights advocates continue to push for Congress to pass the DREAM Act and comprehensive immigration reform….
ALBUQUERQUE DREAMERS ORGANIZE FORUM AND COMMUNITY DIALOGUE ON DEFERRED ACTION
July 10, 2012
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Today, hundreds of Dream-Act eligible youth, their families, and allies participated in a community forum and dialogue which addressed and explained what information is currently known about the announcement made on June 15th, 2012 by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that it will grant deferred action to certain DREAM-Act eligible youth….
Court Strikes Down 3 Key Provisions of SB1070: New Mexicans vow to uphold civil rights
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Today, the Supreme Court struck down three key provisions of Arizona’s racist, anti-Latino SB 1070, sending a message that immigration policy is the domain of the federal government, not individual states. In a 5-3 decision, the Court correctly rejected major portions of Arizona’s attempt to enforce federal immigration laws….