Protests, Medical Malpractice, and Epstein Commission Dominate NM Legislature

On the 11th day of the 2026 legislative session, lawmakers debated an ICE detention ban, advanced a medical malpractice reform bill, and approved a commission to investigate Jeffrey Epstein's activities in the state.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 6:31pm

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As lawmakers debated a bill to ban local governments from signing ICE detention contracts, Santa Fe Prep student Stella Schriber joined a growing crowd of protesters outside the Roundhouse. Meanwhile, a medical malpractice reform bill cleared its first hurdle, and the House approved a resolution to create a commission to investigate Jeffrey Epstein's potential crimes in New Mexico.

Why it matters

The ICE detention ban and medical malpractice reform bills are part of broader debates in New Mexico over immigration policy and healthcare costs. The Epstein commission reflects ongoing efforts to uncover the extent of the disgraced financier's activities in the state and any potential corruption or criminal behavior.

The details

The ICE detention ban bill, House Bill 9, would prohibit local governments from signing contracts with ICE. It faced debate on the House floor, with a Republican amendment introduced that would allow counties to seek reimbursement from the state if a detention center closed in response to the bill. Meanwhile, the medical malpractice reform bill, House Bill 99, passed its first committee hearing. The bill would put a cap on punitive damages, though an amendment to eliminate those caps for corporate-owned hospitals threatened the bipartisan coalition supporting the bill. The House also quickly and unanimously approved a resolution to create a truth commission to investigate allegations of criminal activity and corruption at Jeffrey Epstein's former Zorro Ranch in Santa Fe County.

  • On Friday afternoon, Santa Fe Prep student Stella Schriber and her friends protested outside the Roundhouse.
  • House Bill 9, the ICE detention ban, was debated on the House floor on Friday afternoon.
  • House Bill 99, the medical malpractice reform bill, passed its first committee hearing on Friday morning.
  • The House Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee approved House Resolution 1 to create the Epstein commission on Friday.

The players

Stella Schriber

A student at Santa Fe Prep who protested outside the Roundhouse against ICE detention.

Marcie May

A counter protester who set up with a microphone and speaker to play Vanilla Ice's 'Ice Ice Baby' during the ICE detention protest.

Rep. John Block

A Republican representative from Alamogordo who introduced a floor amendment to House Bill 9 that would allow counties to seek reimbursement from the state if a detention center closed in response to the bill.

Rep. Andrea Romero

A Democratic representative from Santa Fe who sponsored the resolution to create the Epstein commission.

Rep. Marianna Anaya

A Democratic representative from Albuquerque who sponsored the resolution to create the Epstein commission.

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What they’re saying

“Immigrants support our community, especially in New Mexico. The American dream is for everyone.”

— Stella Schriber, Student

“Deport more liberal teenagers.”

— Marcie May, Counter Protester

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.