ICE in the Southwest: Fear, Fallout, and the Fight for Immigration Reform
- Cactus Crossfire
- Aug 10, 2025
- 3 min read
In the latest episode of Cactus Crossfire, hosts Sisto Abeyta and Edward Ableser—leaders at Tri-Strategies, a government relations and public affairs firm—didn’t hold back on one of New Mexico’s most urgent issues: the ongoing impact of ICE enforcement on immigrant communities.
From Viral Videos to Viral Fear
Sisto opened with a raw, personal story: being arrested by ICE at age 13. “It’s not just politics for me—it’s personal,” he said, recounting how that experience still echoes today as ICE actions escalate in New Mexico. The podcast dove into a recent incident involving the arrest of Senator Alex Padilla and the uncomfortable reality that many delivery drivers—often immigrants themselves—are being reported to ICE by American companies. (See Albuquerque Journal coverage).
The community isn’t taking it lying down. Protests erupted at Walmart, and the Albuquerque City Council responded with an executive order refusing city support for ICE operations. But the anxiety and stress for immigrant families remain sky-high.
The ICE Tactics Debate: Both Parties Under Fire
Both hosts tackled the elephant in the room: which party is really responsible for the current state of immigration enforcement? Sisto pointed out that President Obama deported more people than Trump, but the tactics have shifted. Eddie was blunt: “The optics of ICE officers using Tasers in front of families are horrific. The Trump administration’s approach was more severe, but neither party has clean hands here.”
They also raised a red flag about reports of non-ICE agents impersonating officers, a tactic that’s spreading fear and confusion in vulnerable communities.
Where Are the Latino Leaders?
Senator Alex Padilla’s call for more proactive Latino leadership hit home. Sisto recalled a major march in Albuquerque in honor of John Lewis—where, tellingly, few Hispanic leaders were present. “We need our own voices at the front,” he said, urging figures like Speaker Javier Martinez and State Senator Cindy Nava to keep leading the charge for reform.
Eddie noted that fear and lack of party support often keep state-level leaders on the sidelines. “The Democratic Party talks a big game on immigration, but when it comes to backing local leaders, they’re MIA,” he said.
Unions, Economics, and the Policy Puzzle
The conversation wasn’t just about ICE—it dug into the historical role of labor unions in immigration policy. Edward reminded listeners that unions have often opposed mass immigration, despite their public support for immigrant rights. Sisto lamented the decline of backbone unions and the loss of vocational education, especially in rural New Mexico.
The Emotional Toll: Children and Families in the Crossfire
At the core of the discussion was the emotional and psychological damage inflicted by aggressive enforcement. From parents afraid to send their kids to school, to children traumatized by raids, the fallout is deep and lasting. The hosts agreed: “This isn’t just policy—it’s people’s lives.”
What’s Next? Action Items and Accountability
Cactus Crossfire isn’t just about talk. Here’s what Sisto and Edward are watching next:
Investigate: Reports of non-ICE agents impersonating officers and detaining people.
Follow up: Albuquerque’s city council and mayor’s executive order to block city/state support for ICE.
Discuss: The real differences (and similarities) between Republican and Democratic immigration policies.
Call to Action: Encourage more Latino leaders to step up, speak out, and march for reform.
The Bottom Line
If New Mexico—and the country—wants real immigration reform, it’s time for honest conversations, courageous leadership, and policies that put families ahead of optics. The immigrant community is watching, and so are we.
For more on this episode:
Want to dig deeper or join the conversation? Drop your thoughts below or reach out to Tri-Strategies—because in New Mexico, the story isn’t just about policy. It’s about people.
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