The topic of Albuquerque's sanctuary city status has sparked passionate debate among mayoral candidates, with clear lines drawn during a roundtable this week held by the Albuquerque Journal.

In August, Albuquerque was put on the U.S. Department of Justice's sanctuary cities list for having policies, laws or regulations that aim to impede federal officials from enforcing immigration laws.

City officials have claimed Albuquerque isn't a sanctuary city , but claim it is an "immigrant-friendly" city.

Former firefighter Eddie Varela has filed a voter request initiative, arguing that the decision on Albuquerque's sanctuary city status should be made by voters.

"Let the voters decide. Me personally, I'm against Sanctuary City, and I'll tell you why: We can't afford it," Varela said.

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