New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) has declared a state of emergency for Albuquerque, ordering the National Guard to help combat crime in the state’s largest city.
“The safety of New Mexicans is my top priority,” Lujan Grisham said in a statement. “This partnership represents our commitment to addressing the fentanyl crisis and juvenile crime with every resource at our disposal.”
Lujan Grisham, a former member of Congress who is term limited, said the New Mexico National Guard will assist Albuquerque police with essential duties so the city’s law enforcement officers “can focus on what they do best — keeping our communities safe.”
Harold Medina, chief of the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) sent the governor a request for assistance last month.
“When we pool our resources, the impact on crime is dramatic,” he wrote. “This partnership is vital for efficient incident response and reinforcing community trust through visible and professional engagement.”
He cited the department’s need to focus more of its efforts on the city’s Central Avenue Corridor, which has been plagued by the dangerous fentanyl crisis and crime in recent years. The city has also faced escalating violent crime among youths.
