The new president began his first day on the job of serving the American people by signing a blizzard of executive orders that assaulted its most vulnerable members. As if with a Sharpie, he could alter the Constitution’s guarantee of birthright citizenship. As if with the stroke of a pen, he could change a person’s gender. As if he could command fires, droughts and hurricanes to disappear and make climate change the hoax he keeps telling the American people it is. 

There were no huge marches in the street. People didn’t sign up for The Resistance. Is this sign of despair or capitulation? 

I don’t think so.

Last week, the Las Cruces police chief held a public safety meeting where speakers stood up for our immigrant, queer and unhoused neighbors. NM CAFe and other New Mexico nonprofits are holding Know Your Rights trainings for people who encounter ICE. And next week, leaders are going to the state Capitol to demand protection and dignity for immigrants at the Immigrant and Worker Day of Action during the legislative session. 

This legislative session is a chance to make New Mexico a better place, to create Dr. Martin Luther King’s beloved community where people care for one another, work together for the common good, and share in the benefits of freedom and opportunity.