Mesilla Valley Community of Hope responds to Ben Archer Health Centers’ alleged refusal of treatment to undocumented residents

Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News

LAS CRUCES – The Mesilla Valley Community of Hope, an organization that provides services to the unhoused population in Doña Ana County, is preparing for potential impacts following Ben Archer Health Centers’ decision to no longer provide medical treatment to undocumented residents. Executive Director Nicole Martinez said the organization remains committed to its mission despite potential challenges.

The decision by Ben Archer Health Centers comes as state and federal officials scrutinize the organization’s policy on requiring proof of citizenship for medical services. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez recently ordered the health care provider to stop enforcing the requirement, saying it may violate state and federal laws. Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich and U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez have called for the New Mexico Attorney General to investigate into the policy.

Potential impact on services

In a recent interview, Martinez affirmed that Mesilla Valley Community of Hope will continue providing services, including housing support, shelter assistance, and access to showers and laundry facilities.

"We're going to continue to serve people. We're going to find ways," she said.

Martinez said she is concerned that the change in Ben Archer Health Centers’ policy could leave vulnerable community members without access to medical care, increasing the burden on organizations like Mesilla Valley Community of Hope.

"This decision could have significant consequences for people who already struggle to access health care," she said.

Policies and protections for vulnerable populations

Martinez also expressed concern about potential changes in federal policies affecting certain groups, including transgender individuals.

"HUD had made strides toward serving transgender people … all of that has been reversed," she said.

While the organization serves a smaller number of transgender individuals, Martinez believes some may choose not to disclose their gender identity.

Protocols for law enforcement encounters

Martinez said staff members have been trained on handling potential encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

"We are well-versed on what to do if ICE does show up and what’s within our rights to help protect people," Martinez told Organ Mountain News.

She explained that the organization ensures compliance with legal procedures, including requiring a judge-signed warrant before taking any action on its property.

Federal funding and financial considerations

Martinez acknowledged that a significant portion of the organization’s funding comes from federal sources, particularly for rental assistance and veteran services.

"A significant amount of our funding comes from our federal partners," she said.

She estimated that about 50% of the organization’s funding comes from federal sources, while Ben Archer Health Centers may receive even more from similar sources.

State and local support

To address potential funding disruptions, the organization has been in discussions with the New Mexico governor’s office and the Office of Housing and Homeless Services to explore alternative funding options.

Martinez noted that both federal and state legislators have been involved in conversations regarding potential solutions.

"Both our federal delegation and the Doña Ana County state delegation are kind of on the same page and are going to do whatever they can," she said.

If federal funding is reduced or frozen, Martinez said the organization would seek assistance from the city of Las Cruces and the state of New Mexico. She acknowledged concerns that such intervention could pose additional funding challenges at the state level.

Continuing advocacy and community engagement

The organization continues its efforts to engage policymakers and secure support for housing services.

"We’re doing our work. We’re doing what we’re supposed to be doing," Martinez said.

She emphasized that the organization has been reaching out to congressional leaders to advocate for continued funding. Martinez also noted that there are differing opinions within the community regarding the organization’s work.

"I know there will be a lot of people who don’t understand the work we actually do," she said, adding that discussions on addressing homelessness are ongoing.

As the organization continues its operations, Martinez said it remains focused on its mission.

"We’re already impacted, and we’re just holding our breath," she said.

Mesilla Valley Community of Hope plans to continue its work while adapting to potential changes, advocating for those it serves, and seeking solutions to ensure ongoing support for the community’s unhoused population.

Damien Willis is founder and editor of Organ Mountain News. He can be reached at OrganMountainNews@gmail.com or on X at @damienwillis.