The ACLU of New Mexico and the All Safe New Mexico Coalition came together on January 15 for a powerful “Rethinking Public Safety” Town Hall, bringing community members, advocates, and policy experts into a timely conversation about the 2026 legislative session and the future of public safety in New Mexico.
During the town hall, speakers broke down a slate of harmful bills expected in the upcoming session, including proposals to expand involuntary commitment and forced relocations—policies that would punish people who need stable housing, health care, and support. Panelists highlighted why these approaches fail to improve safety and instead deepen harm for already vulnerable communities.
The conversation centered on what real public safety looks like: community-driven solutions rooted in compassion, prevention, housing, and care—not fear-based, “tough on crime” legislation. Attendees heard directly from ACLU leaders and local experts about how these bills move through the legislature and how New Mexicans can effectively push back and demand better.
Most importantly, the town hall amplified community voices and made clear that people across the state want policies that actually work—policies that keep families together, respect civil liberties, and invest in solutions that make everyone safer.
👉 Watch the full town hall replay in the embedded video below to hear the discussion, learn what’s coming in 2026, and find out how you can take action.