As President Trump's "Zero-tolerance" immigration policy continues to affect the southern border, Representative Rodolpho "Rudy" S. Martinez has taken a step to not only denounce the policy, but to call out those who are making the policy possible. On Monday, June 25, Martinez (D- Dona Ana, Grant and Sierra), returned a $250 campaign donation from the GEO Group – a private prison that stands to benefit from Trump's immigration raids
 
Rep. Martinez, a Democrat from Silver City, gave the following statement on his decision to return the campaign contribution from the private prison: "The GEO Group stands to make millions of dollars off the suffering of children while separating families. We are at a time in our country where leaders have to do the right things, and I cannot in good conscious keep the contribution. I want to send a message that any PAC or organization who supports ripping families apart is not welcome on my campaign."

Martinez went on to say that groups, like GEO, should not consider donating to his campaign. "I wish I had immediately denied the contribution, but I want to make it right. GEO has supported harmful policies that President Trump and Governor Martinez create and support – policies that are designed to tear down immigrant families and enrich the top 1%. New Mexico has a very proud history of welcoming immigrants, and I will not be affiliated with anti-immigration and anti-family groups."
 
Rep. Martinez is the child of an immigrant. His father is from Borja, Chihuahua, Mexico while his mother is from Dona Ana County – Rudy and his family grew up in North Hurley, located in Grant County. Rep. Martinez served as State Representative of District 39 from 2007-2014, and again from 2017-present. Prior to that, he served as Mayor of Bayard, Grant County Commissioner, and was employed at Chino Mines for 33 years. Rep. Martinez is facing re-election in 2018.