The governor of New Mexico, Michelle Lujan Grisham, has declared a state of emergency in northern New Mexico to address rising violent crime and drug trafficking. The declaration covers Rio Arriba County, which includes two Native American pueblos, and unlocks $750,000 in emergency funds to support local and tribal law enforcement efforts.
Rio Arriba County is a vast area stretching from the city of Española, just north of Santa Fe, all the way to the Colorado border. The region has been struggling with opioid addiction, frequent drug overdoses, and a growing number of homeless encampments in recent years. Local leaders say the spike in crime has worsened these problems, causing more instability in families and placing heavy pressure on police and government services.
The emergency funds will help pay for overtime, equipment, and coordinated police operations. While there is no immediate plan to deploy the National Guard to Rio Arriba, the declaration allows state officials to call on them if needed.
The tribal governor of Santa Clara Pueblo, near Española, has been vocal about the community’s challenges with fentanyl and alcohol abuse. Governor James Naranjo noted that the pueblo has spent thousands of dollars trying to protect children affected by addiction but emphasized that the crisis affects the wider area, not just their community.
Tragically, the crisis has touched even law enforcement, with Rio Arriba County Sheriff Billy Merrifield’s death linked to fentanyl and alcohol use. This follows a history of attempts to curb violent crime in New Mexico, including federal agents being sent to Albuquerque in 2020.
Violent crime remains a concern statewide. Recently, the Albuquerque Police charged three teenagers, including two juveniles, in the shooting death of a homeless man in July. These ongoing incidents highlight the urgency behind the governor’s emergency actions.
The situation in northern New Mexico is serious, but this state of emergency aims to bring more resources and attention to helping local communities tackle crime and addiction. It’s a critical step to provide support where it’s most needed and work towards safer neighborhoods for everyone.