Immigration Committee
About the Committee
The City of Santa Fe Immigration Committee is a volunteer advisory body dedicated to protecting and advancing the rights of immigrants living in Santa Fe. Formed by Resolution No. 1999-6, the committee affirms the City’s stance against discrimination based on national origin and advocates for inclusive policies that serve all residents regardless of immigration status.
After pausing during the COVID-19 pandemic, the committee resumed in-person meetings and continues its mission to build a more welcoming and equitable city for immigrant communities.
Meetings
When: Second Monday of each month
Format: In-person only
Meeting Details: Agendas & Minutes via Civic Clerk Portal
Spanish-English interpretation is provided at all meetings.
Staff Liaison
Liz Camacho
excamacho@santafenm.gov
505-795-2354
Committee Leadership
Chair: Ivan Cornejo
Vice Chair: Marcela Diaz
Current Members
Ivan Cornejo — Chair
Ivan was born in Aguascalientes, Mexico, and immigrated to Santa Fe as a child. He has built a career in education and the nonprofit sector, focusing on equity, inclusion, and direct service to students and families. Ivan is committed to immigrant rights and social justice through public service and advocacy.
Marcela Diaz — Vice Chair
Marcela is the founding Executive Director of Somos Un Pueblo Unido, a statewide immigrant-led organization. She is a recognized leader in racial justice and workers’ rights and leads policy and community organizing campaigns to uplift immigrant communities across New Mexico.
Jessica Noemi Aguirre
Jessica is an immigration attorney with Contigo Immigrant Justice, formerly known as the Santa Fe Dreamers Project. Since 2014, Contigo has grown from offering DACA services to Dreamers into a statewide leader in immigrant legal advocacy, with a 99% success rate in completed cases. As a first-generation daughter of immigrants, Jessica works on family-based petitions, humanitarian protections, citizenship, and visas for survivors, grounded in the belief that dignity, safety, and freedom are rights for all.
Maria José Rodriguez Cádiz
Originally from Spain, María José has lived in Santa Fe for over three decades. She is the Executive Director of Solace Sexual Assault Services and has worked in restorative justice, conflict resolution, and community healing since the 1990s. Her work focuses on prevention, equity, and advocacy for women and families in Santa Fe.
The Rev. Fr. Ryan M. Lee, OCS
Fr. Ryan is the parish priest at St. Bede’s Episcopal Church in Santa Fe. A bilingual and community-centered leader, he is committed to spiritual care and social service rooted in dignity, compassion, and justice for all people.
Julie Ann Ball
Julie Ann Ball is an attorney with the New Mexico Law Offices of the Public Defender. Her legal work focuses on criminal law and federal appellate practice.
Rebecca K. (Becky) Rowley
Dr. Becky Rowley is the President of Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) and a lifelong advocate for accessible education. A native of Clovis, New Mexico, she previously served as President of Clovis Community College and brings decades of experience in higher education leadership. At SFCC, she champions student success, community engagement, and the role of community colleges in economic development across New Mexico.
Cipriana Jurado Herrera
Cipriana Jurado Herrera is a long-time human rights activist and the co-founder of Defensora de Derechos Humanos, a Juárez-based organization advocating for labor rights, victims of state repression, and the families of the disappeared. Originally a maquiladora worker herself, Cipriana has spent over two decades organizing for workers’ rights and denouncing human rights abuses in northern Mexico. After seeking political asylum with support from Amnesty International, she now lives in Santa Fe, where she continues her advocacy for justice, truth, and dignity for all.
Gina Azu
Want to Learn More?
For more information about meetings, resources, or committee work:
Liz Camacho
excamacho@santafenm.gov
505-795-2354