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On May 31, 2026, the New Mexico Supreme Court handed down a landmark decision that will significantly impact the rights of non-citizen workers in the state. The case, Garcia v. Martinez Farms, centered around the issue of whether non-citizen workers are entitled to the same protections under New Mexico labor laws as their citizen counterparts.The plaintiffs in the case were a group of farmworkers who alleged that Martinez Farms, a large agricultural employer in the state, had violated several state labor laws by failing to provide them with proper breaks, minimum wage, and overtime pay. The workers, all of whom were non-citizens, argued that they were being discriminated against based on their immigration status.In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, holding that non-citizen workers are entitled to the same protections under New Mexico labor laws as citizen workers. The court emphasized that all workers, regardless of their immigration status, are entitled to fair treatment and are protected by the state's labor laws.The ruling has been hailed as a major victory for immigrant workers in New Mexico, many of whom work in industries such as agriculture and construction where labor violations are common. Advocates for the rights of immigrant workers have praised the decision as a step towards ensuring equal treatment for all workers in the state.In a statement following the ruling, the plaintiffs' attorney, Maria Sanchez, expressed her satisfaction with the outcome of the case. "This decision sends a strong message that all workers in New Mexico deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their immigration status," she said.Martinez Farms has not yet issued a statement in response to the ruling. It is unclear whether the company plans to appeal the decision or if they will comply with the court's ruling.Overall, the decision is seen as a significant victory for non-citizen workers in New Mexico and a step towards ensuring fair treatment and equal rights for all workers in the state.