NM CAFe is starting 2026 strong with a new home, a successful legislative session, new team members, and leadership development, entremos en materia!
New headquarters, same advocacy, and more space for our community!
NM CAFe is proud to name our new rebel base, our command post, at the historic Alameda House at 526 S. Alameda Blvd. We changed our address in January and we are slowly curating a safe space for community and allies to gather and organize. Don’t be afraid to stop in and connect with our organizers, our staff, and other organizations we collaborate with. We bought the Alameda House with our partner, Ngage New Mexico, and envision a space where mission-driven nonprofits can work together to strengthen southern New Mexico and provide a new resource for community members.
NM CAFe team at our new Alameda House headquarters, left to right, Lorenzo, Maty, Cecilia, Tristan, Awlen, Diana, Syliva and Dawn.
CAFe at the Roundhouse!
This year CAFe leaders went to the Roundhouse in Santa Fe to take part in the Immigrant Day of Action and advocate for immigrants and our communities. They followed the three-day session and took part in public comment and ongoing outreach to our legislators, leading to several victories on data protection, and immigrant safety. Here are just a couple of things we celebrated:
Immigrant Safety Act passed!
Legislation removed state complicity by banning new and renewed government contracts with ICE detention centers, and barred local law enforcement from entering agreements to work as immigrant enforcement officers. This particular piece of legislation will prevent state participation in a system of harm and neglect in three for-profit detention centers.
Driver Privacy and Safety Act passed!
With support from law enforcement and state officials, the Roundhouse passed the privacy guardrail. Data from automatic license plate readers may not be shared with out-of-state third parties to prosecute, to enforce immigration laws, or target First Amendment-protected activities.
New Gen Hope preparing for public comment at the Santa Fe Roundhouse.
Youth leaders take our advocacy and narrative to the city!
Our Chaparral organizer, Maty, and New Gen Hope, her youth organizing group, attended a training in Philadelphia where they explored the power of personal storytelling to create change on social issues. Our youth leaders learned new storytelling strategies, networked with fellow organizers all over the country, and took a break from the desert and green chile.
Maty and New Gen Hope in Philly.
New staff!
We are proud to present three new team members who have joined the NM CAFe familia.
Please welcome Tristan Tamez (he/him/el), our Las Cruces Community Organizing Fellow. Tristan is a Navy veteran with a background in journalism. As an New Mexico State University student, he has leadership responsibilities in student organizations including Asian and Pacific Islander Aggies, as well as Black and Brown Queer Alliance. He is passionate about social justice and uplifting community voices. During his off time he enjoys science fiction and spending time with his cat.
Additionally, we have a new Digital Organizer and Communications Associate, Dawn Franco (she/her/ella). She has a background in journalism, public service, and marketing. She’s passionate about cultural preservation, as well as environment and sustainability. She often wanders capturing snapshots and loves reading a diverse range of literature. She’s looking forward to connecting with the community and expanding the NM CAFe mission using digital platforms.
And last, but not least, NM Cafe is excited to announce our Director of Civic Engagement, Lorenzo Gutierrez. Lorenzo has spent the past 14 years fighting for progressive values in his home state of New Mexico and nationally. His experience includes working for c3, c4 and political campaigns. His approach blends practical campaign experience with a deep commitment to building sustainable, data-informed programs that empower teams and communities alike.
From Las Cruces, to Anthony, to Chaparral, to Santa Fe, to Philadelphia, to our new headquarters, CAFe is working so 2026 can be one of our most impactful years yet. Thank you for supporting us in all our momentum.
