Friend, my heart is heavy.

On Saturday, while Minnesotans and many across the country stood against the disgusting and terrifying violence ICE is carrying out in our country, federal agents shot and killed another person. He was not the first person unjustly killed by ICE, and most likely, he will not be the last, and I know that’s why so many people are angry. I’m angry too.

I don't have the words to express my horror at what is happening in our country right now, but I do know that we must continue to fight back — in any way we can. Resistance can be organizing a protest, delivering coffee and providing a warm place for protestors, or calling your lawmakers or running for local office. Hope is only lost when resistance stops, and there is power in our voices and collective action.

New Mexicans are not strangers to adversity. In fact, we are strong and support each other. To New Mexicans who are living in fear, worrying about loved ones, and watching what is happening in our communities with horror, I want you to know I stand with you in this fight — I always have and I always will. Today, as your neighbor and friend. Next year, as your governor. 

While state and local law enforcement work hard to protect our communities, under-trained ICE agents are using violence, rounding people up, tearing families apart, targeting Black and brown communities, and breaking the law. And now, Americans are being killed in the streets for standing up, speaking out, and opposing them.

This is unacceptable. Our communities are less safe as a direct result of Donald Trump's policies. It's un-American, and it must stop.

If Donald Trump and ICE want to bring the violence and unrest to New Mexico, they will have to get through my administration and me. We will have zero tolerance for their injustice, and we will use every authority at our disposal to stop them.

I will do everything in my power to protect our public spaces — like schools, churches, courthouses, healthcare centers, and state government facilities. 

I will support efforts to require ICE agents to identify themselves and remove their masks and to ban ICE detention centers in our state.

Governors are the last line of defense when the federal government abuses its resources and undermines civil liberties. Our responsibility is to protect families, safeguard our communities, and make sure no one lives in fear. You have my promise: I will hold Donald Trump accountable and protect New Mexicans. Always.

This isn't over. I expect it will get harder before it gets easier. But together, we will defend our rights and liberties.

With you in this fight,

Deb