This article was originally published by Source NM. By Patrick Lohmann A federal judge in Albuquerque on Monday ordered the immediate release of an Iranian man held at an Estancia immigration lockup for the last six months, agreeing with his lawyers that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency was not acting quickly enough to deport […]
Category: Torrance County
Posted inTorrance County
Sen. Heinrich continues to call for updates on expired ICE detention facility contract
By Lauren Lifke A detention facility in Estancia for Immigration and Customs Enforcement is still operating without a contract after its contract expired in October. Torrance County Manager Jordan Barela told The Independent that the county had an intergovernmental agreement with ICE that expired Oct. 31. The facility has since been operating without a new […]
Posted inTorrance County
Sen. Heinrich calls for evacuation of Torrance County ICE facility after contract lapse
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich is demanding answers from federal immigration officials about the continued operation of a New Mexico detention facility despite the expiration of its contract more than two weeks ago. The New Mexico Democrat sent a letter to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Todd Lyons last week questioning the legal authority […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Torrance County
Santa Fe court launches mental health diversion program for arrestees
The First Judicial District Court has announced a new program designed to divert people with severe mental illness away from the criminal justice system and into treatment services. The competency diversion pilot program will serve individuals charged with misdemeanors, excluding DWI and nonviolent felony offenses. It marks the fourth such initiative established by New Mexico […]
Posted inSandoval County, Torrance County
Santa Fe School Board member announces run for state House
Santa Fe Public Schools Board of Education member Sarah Boses announced her candidacy Monday for the New Mexico House of Representatives, seeking to represent District 50. Boses, a registered nurse who lives in Galisteo with her family, is launching what she described as a grassroots campaign focused on listening to constituents and addressing community challenges. […]
Posted inTorrance County
Torrance County manager warns of economic ruin if detention facility closes
A potential ban on federal immigrant detention facilities in New Mexico would have a devastating impact on Torrance County, according to a local official. Jordan Barela, the Torrance County manager, told a bipartisan group of state legislators at an Aug. 26 meeting of the Courts, Corrections and Justice Committee, in Las Cruces, that one such […]
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Vermin trouble at Santa Fe school
A local school is facing a fate worse than detention after state inspectors found signs of a mouse infestation. The discovery may leave teachers and parents stunned, as concerns over Hantavirus have been haunting the headlines in recent months. According to a citation from the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), state inspectors made the unpleasant […]
Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Torrance County
Traffic cone season is coming.These local highways are on the DOT paving project list.
New Mexico Highway 344 will likely see some construction this summer as crews work on a hot-in-place pavement recycling project with an estimated price tag of $1.2 million. This is one of the projects that was included in a presentation the New Mexico Department of Transportation District 5 Engineer Rhonda Lopez gave to state lawmakers […]
Posted inBusiness, Economy & Workers, Torrance County
Torrance County announces 2025 Summer Internship Program
Torrance County has announced its 2025 Summer Enrichment Internship Program, which will offer paid work experience to students aged 14 to 18. Interns will work 20 hours per week at $13 an hour with employers throughout the county. The program aims to connect youth with meaningful work experiences, career exploration, and adult mentorship. Students must […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Torrance County
Torrance County firefighter named finalist for New Mexico 2025 Firefighter of the Year
Torrance County Fire and Emergency Services has announced that Firefighter/EMT-Intermediate Nicaea Spomer is a finalist for the New Mexico 2025 Firefighter of the Year Award. Spomer has served with Torrance County Fire and Emergency Services for two and a half years, demonstrating a strong commitment to the community, according to a press release from Torrance […]