Big News at NMILC: A New Chapter Begins!

Dear Friends,  

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news from the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center!  

After 15 amazing years leading NMILC, our founding Executive Director, Jenny Landau, is beginning a new chapter. Starting this month, Jenny and Deputy Director Teague González will serve as Co-Executive Directors. In May 2026, Teague will step into the role of sole Executive Director, and Jenny will continue to support NMILC as Founder/Senior Advisor.  

This is a big moment for NMILC, and we couldn’t be more excited! Teague brings vision, heart, and deep experience to her leadership, and together, she and Jenny will guide NMILC through a thoughtful and steady transition. This moment is only possible because of your generosity and steadfast support which has allowed NMILC to grow strong and resilient. 

When Jenny co-founded NMILC with Megan Jordi 15 years ago, there was an urgent unmet need for legal services for immigrants facing deportation and detention in NM, due to the federal expansion of detention centers in NM, and there were no non-profit legal organizations in NM that addressed the legal representation needs of immigrant families. We’re proud of her and the strength of the organization. 

In the past 15 years, we have grown from a staff of 2 to a staff of 60 with physical offices state-wide in Santa Fe, Las Cruces, and Albuquerque. We now serve over 10,000 immigrant children and families each year in almost every county in the state and work with over 50 community partners state-wide. In addition to direct services, we have also worked to reduce barriers for immigrant children and families though community education and systemic advocacy. 

Teague shared:  
"I’m excited to lead NMILC into its next chapter. NMILC’s work is now more important than ever. We are seeing immigration being used as a wedge to remove a set of constitutional rights for all of us. Supporting a legal response to threats to the immigrant community is defending democracy itself. 

Our work is rooted in community, and I’m committed to ensuring that immigrant families across New Mexico continue to have access to our free legal services. We have a plan for a collective legal response to meet this moment that includes rapid legal support, family protection planning, and court accompaniment projects alongside our partner organizations, legal services organizations, and impact litigation partners.” 

As we embark on this new chapter, we invite you to continue standing with us. Your support helps us deepen our infrastructure and respond to this critical moment by defending immigrant communities with compassion and resilience.  Together, we will ensure that NMILC emerges stronger than ever.