Mayor Torres Reaffirms Bernalillo is ‘Immigrant Friendly’

By Jesse Jones

In a swift Jan. 27 meeting, the Bernalillo Council honored town attorney George Perez on his retirement, a pickleball player requested more center access and Mayor Jack Torres outlined the town’s 2017 “Immigrant Friendly” resolution.

“Because of everything that’s happening in our community, within our country, I wanted to be sure we all and that staff are well aware of [the resolution],” Torres said.

The resolution Torres discussed was Resolution 02-272017, which unanimously passed at the Feb. 27, 2017 council meeting in response to Donald Trump’s first presidency. 

Reading the resolution, Torres said, “The resolution affirming the town of Bernalillo’s commitment to diversity and immigrant-friendly status and safeguarding the civil rights, safety and dignity of all our residents, whether they be immigrants or refugees, people of color, Muslims, LGBTQ people or people with disabilities.”

Torres outlined four sections of the resolution: Bernalillo’s “Immigrant Friendly Town” status, recognition of immigrants’ contributions, commitment to treating all individuals with respect, and ensuring access to services. The police will not enforce federal immigration laws, and the council supports equal treatment and access to services for all residents, regardless of immigration status or other protected classes.

According to Torres, Police Chief Chris Stoyell and other department heads discussed the town’s position,  “We’re clear on where the town stands. We’ll continue to enforce the laws required by the state Constitution, but again, we’re not going to put either the community or our administration or police officers at risk by having them get involved in federal law where they shouldn’t be.”

Torres said he spoke with Bernalillo Public Schools Superintendent Matthew Montano, who expressed concern about students missing classes due to fear in the community. The district issued a statement and requested it be posted on the town’s website.

In other news

The town honored George Perez, town council for 40 years of service and proclaimed Jan. 27, 2025, as George Perez Day in Bernalillo.

“George Perez is known as a trusted friend, a man of strong faith and integrity, a person with a sense of humor, for sure, but is most often admired for his commitment and dedication to his family,” Torres said, reading from the proclamation. 

In his long career, Perez was not only the town attorney but also the 13th Judicial District Judge, the seat his son Christopher now holds.  

Perez said that since beginning his career in 1985, he has worked with many mayors and council members, including family members of the current councilors and mayor.

“It’s been an honor to have been the town attorney for this length of time,” Perez said. “And to have worked with all the dedicated representatives, mayors, council people, employees I got to know over the years, most of the employees, very well, worked with all of them, and happy to say, I think they’re all still my friends.”

In a rare public comment, Bud Brinkerhoff, former Placitas Fire Chief and pickleball coordinator at the Bernalillo Recreation Center, urged the council to prioritize recreational use over private events. He expressed concern about scheduling conflicts that have displaced pickleball players, especially on Sundays. Brinkerhoff suggested hosting private events at the senior center or high school to preserve court access for players.