ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Community tensions continue to rise after federal immigration officers arrested a Venezuelan delivery worker outside a Walmart on Coors Boulevard near Interstate 40, prompting roughly 100 protesters to gather outside the store on July 20 to demand justice and stronger protections for immigrant workers.
The protest was sparked by a widely circulated video showing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, some masked, using a Taser on 33-year-old Deivi Jose Molina-Pena during an arrest earlier this month. In the footage, Molina-Pena can be heard crying out for help. He had reportedly come to the U.S. from Venezuela under Temporary Protected Status two years ago. His current status and location in ICE custody remain unknown.
Walmart has yet to comment on the incident. A company spokesperson declined to speak on both the specific arrest and questions regarding worker safety on their premises.
Chants of “Burque over billionaires” echoed across the parking lot during the demonstration, where organizers called attention to the vulnerability of gig workers, especially those with immigrant backgrounds.
Janyce Cardenas, a community organizer who participated in the protest, called on businesses like Walmart to step up. “We want companies to provide private and secure areas for delivery workers. Without that, ICE can treat these spaces like hunting grounds,” she said.
Albuquerque police officials confirmed they were not notified of the arrest until after it had occurred. APD Director of Communications Gilbert Gallegos said the department was informed post-incident by Homeland Security officials, who acknowledged that the use of force during the arrest might attract media coverage.
While APD maintains regular communication with federal law enforcement agencies, Chief Harold Medina emphasized the department’s non-involvement in immigration enforcement. “We’re not in the business of immigration,” Medina said during a press briefing. “But we continue to keep lines of communication open to ensure transparency and reduce community tensions.”
The July 12 arrest is not an isolated incident. In early June, ICE reportedly detained up to 12 delivery workers—many from Latin America—at a Rio Rancho Walmart, according to Source NM.
Medina added that APD dispatchers are available to help the public verify the legitimacy of enforcement actions, especially when unmarked officers are involved. “If you see someone making an arrest with no visible ID, call us. We’ll look into it,” he said.
In response to growing concern over federal immigration actions in public spaces, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller signed an executive order on July 21 reinforcing the city’s commitment to immigrant protections. Spearheaded by the Office of Equity and Inclusion, the order prohibits city employees and departments from participating in or supporting ICE civil enforcement actions, unless mandated by law.
The executive order affirms Albuquerque’s status as an immigrant-friendly city and blocks the use of public spaces for violent or harmful immigration enforcement. It also pledges legal action against those impersonating law enforcement to exploit or harm the public.
While the city can’t prevent ICE from operating within its jurisdiction, the order requires APD to assist residents who are concerned about suspected immigration enforcement actions.
ICE did not respond to media inquiries in time for publication.
Gallegos reaffirmed APD’s commitment to serving all members of the community, regardless of immigration status. “Our goal is to make sure everyone—immigrants included—feels safe enough to report crimes or seek help,” he said.
The story of Molina-Pena and others like him continues to fuel advocacy for immigrant rights and labor protections across New Mexico.
