Albuquerque Airport Protests: Sanctuary Laws Clash with Federal Deportation Flights

Sanctuary Officials Rally at Albuquerque International Sunport Against CSI Aviation

Immigrant rights groups and local activists recently gathered at the Albuquerque International Sunport to protest deportation flights operated by CSI Aviation. This demonstration highlights a growing conflict between local sanctuary policies and federal immigration enforcement efforts. The federal government has taken legal action against New Mexico and Albuquerque, challenging laws that limit cooperation with immigration authorities. These disputes could have significant consequences, including the potential loss of international status for affected airports.

Federal Lawsuit Against New Mexico and Albuquerque

The federal government has filed a lawsuit against the state of New Mexico and the city of Albuquerque. The core of the dispute lies in state and local laws that restrict cooperation between local governments and federal immigration enforcement agencies. Specifically, New Mexico’s Immigrant Safety Act, also known as HB 9, prohibits local governments from entering into or renewing contracts with the federal government for the detention of individuals for civil immigration violations. This law was set to take effect in May 2026 but has been stalled by federal litigation.

Albuquerque also has its own ordinance, the Safe Community Places Ordinance. This ordinance restricts U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from using city-owned property, including the airport, for enforcement actions. It also requires businesses to inform their workers if ICE agents are present on their premises. Federal officials argue that these local measures unlawfully interfere with federal immigration enforcement and violate the constitutional principle of federal supremacy, which states that federal law overrides conflicting state or local laws.

CSI Aviation and Deportation Flights

The Albuquerque International Sunport has become a focal point in this conflict due to CSI Aviation, a company headquartered near the airport. CSI Aviation holds a contract with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide what officials describe as “relocation” and deportation flights. Protesters targeted CSI Aviation, arguing that private contractors play a significant role in mass deportation efforts, even in areas where local officials aim to limit cooperation with federal immigration agencies. The company’s business directly connects the local economy with the federal deportation system, making it a visible target for activists.

DHS Threatens International Airport Status

The dispute escalated further when DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that the administration was considering withdrawing Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers from airports in cities that do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. This warning raised the possibility of direct consequences for the Albuquerque International Sunport, beyond protests and court filings. If CBP officers were withdrawn, it could lead to the airport losing its international status. This prospect introduces economic pressure into the legal fight, as tourism and trade are linked to the debate over local governments denying federal immigration agencies access to local property and cooperation.

Broader Immigration Policy Changes

This local confrontation is happening alongside significant changes within the broader immigration system. On May 22, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a policy memorandum that directs officers to grant adjustment of status, a pathway to permanent residency, only in “extraordinary circumstances.” This policy could push more individuals toward consular processing abroad, which carries the risk of long-term re-entry bars for those who must leave the United States to complete their green card cases. Additionally, DHS has begun implementing “Mega Master” hearings in immigration courts, which group up to 100 individuals in a single hearing to speed up deportation proceedings. These broader enforcement actions are merging with local fights over airport property, city contracting rules, and the extent of federal power.

Public Demonstration and Local Message

During the weekend of May 30-31, 2026, activists used the slogan “They’re not welcome here in Albuquerque” as they gathered near the airport. The protest caused minor disruptions to airport access roads, but domestic operations continued. The demonstrators aimed to pressure Albuquerque institutions to cut ties with deportation logistics. Their message was directed at both the contractor, CSI Aviation, and the federal government in Washington. Federal officials, in turn, view these non-cooperation laws as a direct challenge to their immigration enforcement authority. The situation in Albuquerque represents a multi-faceted confrontation playing out in courts, immigration policy, at airports, and through public demonstrations.

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