An Albuquerque immigrant and refugee advocacy group has been forced to suspend operations at its headquarters and work from private homes following a series of burglaries and vandalism that leaders say have made the building unsafe.
New Mexico Women’s Global Pathways, which moved to its facility near Central Avenue and Louisiana Boulevard in 2018, reports ongoing security issues, including cut fencing, blocked entrances, and trash-strewn walkways.
The nonprofit organization teaches immigrant women English and sewing skills to create items like pillows and tote bags, which are then donated to the local unhoused population. However, organizers said individuals from that same community are among those repeatedly breaking into the property.
Nkazi Sinandila, the organization’s founder and director, said she was warned about safety concerns in the area before purchasing the property but chose to move forward with the acquisition anyway.
A break-in three weeks ago left the facility ransacked and its perimeter fencing severed. Sinandila said she believes a group of individuals stole donated jackets, handmade pillows, and tote bags.
In June alone, the organization reported three separate break-ins, including an incident in which a suspect drove a vehicle through the property’s fencing, causing thousands of dollars in damage.
While the organization has repeatedly contacted the Albuquerque Police Department’s non-emergency line, leaders say they no longer feel it is safe for participants to attend tutoring or sewing classes at the site.
The group is currently repairing the perimeter fencing and hopes to resume in-person training for women and children at the building soon.
Organization leaders have filed multiple police reports, and the Albuquerque Police Department said investigators are looking into the incidents.
