New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham Mobilises National Guard to Combat Rising Crime in Albuquerque

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico has declared a state of emergency in Albuquerque, citing a rise in crime. The governor's executive order allows the deployment of National Guard troops along Route 66 starting mid-May. This move also allocates state funds for the Guard's operations. Training for 60 to 70 troops is already underway, according to the governor's office.

Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina emphasized the importance of this intervention. He stated that having National Guard troops on the ground would allow police officers to focus more on street patrols. The troops will assist in securing crime scenes, distributing supplies to the homeless, transporting prisoners, providing courthouse security, and operating drones for suspect location and incident assessment.

National Guard's Role in Crime Reduction

The use of the National Guard is not new; governors often deploy them for natural disasters and border security. Recently, they have been used for crime prevention, such as patrolling New York's subway system after high-profile crimes. In Albuquerque, their presence aims to reduce crime rates by supporting local law enforcement efforts.

This is not Governor Lujan Grisham's first attempt to address Albuquerque's crime issues. In 2021, she temporarily assigned state police officers to tackle vehicle thefts, drug trafficking, and violent crimes. Previously, federal agents were sent by then-President Donald Trump to help curb violence in Albuquerque and other cities.

Crime Statistics and Legislative Response

Recent statistics from February show an 11% drop in aggravated assaults in 2024 compared to the previous year, with homicides decreasing for the second consecutive year. Despite these improvements, more resources are needed to maintain progress, according to Medina.

The New Mexico Legislature recently adjourned without addressing what many see as a persistent crime crisis. This has drawn criticism from law enforcement leaders and the governor herself. Lujan Grisham plans to call a special session to discuss public safety proposals.

Local Government Efforts

Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller has been working on increasing police force numbers since taking office in 2017. Although progress has been made, reaching the goal of 1,000 sworn officers remains a challenge. Keller acknowledged that while crime rates have decreased from all-time highs, further efforts are necessary.

Medina's request for National Guard support highlights its importance for public safety and improving residents' quality of life. The ongoing fentanyl epidemic and rising juvenile crime rates were key factors in his appeal for additional resources.

The governor's emergency declaration follows Medina's March 31 request for assistance. He noted that while shootings and assaults have decreased along Central Avenue, sustaining this momentum requires more resources.