Novel Coronavirus in New Mexico, Socialism Defined, ICE Activity

This week on New Mexico in Focus, senior producer Matt Grubs sits down with an expert from the New Mexico Department of Health to talk about COVID-19, the coronavirus that is sending the country – and the world – into a panic. The federal government has taken the lead on the country’s response, though state and local health officials will shoulder much of the burden. After Super Tuesday, Democratic voters have winnowed the field of presidential hopefuls down to two candidates who are separated by only a handful of delegates, but a wide lead over the few candidates left: Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Vice President Joe Biden. But among Democrats and Republicans, the word “socialism” is likely to be a big part of the campaign regardless of who wins. NMiF Senior Producer Matt Grubs talks with UNM professor Matthew Simpson on the realities and perceptions of socialism. Gene Grant and The Line opinion panel look at why both of New Mexico’s U.S. Senators are asking for arrest data to track Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities, and debate whether ICE is targeting immigrant-friendly cities. The Line also discusses the efforts by the state’s GOP to turn New Mexico from a blue state into a red one, with a push to register Hispanic oil field workers to vote. Lastly, panelists on The Line debate whether professionalizing lawmakers will affect lobbyist spending in New Mexico.