Nella Domenici, U.S. Senate Candidate in New Mexico, said she traveled to the "open border," which she described as a "gateway" for illegal immigration, drug smuggling, and humanitarian crises. Domenici gave her statement to the New Mexico Sun on July 31.
"New Mexicans know the Harris and Heinrich agenda has made crime worse and our communities less safe," said Domenici. "I went to the border and saw first hand how dangerous the crisis is. Under Harris and Heinrich's leadership, New Mexico's open border will continue to provide a gateway for illegals to cross into both our state and country, furthering the drug, crime, and humanitarian crises. Now more than ever, we must stand with law enforcement, border security, and those working to keep our streets safe."
According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Border Patrol has arrested 14,000 individuals with existing criminal convictions illegally crossing to date in FY24.
Vice President Kamala Harris was tasked in 2021 by President Biden to uncover causes of mass migration to the U.S.-Mexico border, according to Fox News. Since this appointment, she said the U.S. should consider dismantling U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as well as suggesting the U.S. should "decriminalize" unauthorized border crossings.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) named illicit fentanyl as the top drug threat in Albuquerque, according to Operation Engage Albuquerque from the DEA. In 2023, the DEA found that 70% of fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills contain a potentially lethal dose of at least 2 mg, up from 60% in 2022. Criminal networks mass-produce these counterfeit pills, which are marketed as legitimate medications and are easily accessible on social media and e-commerce platforms. These fake pills often mimic prescription opioids but contain fentanyl.
Domenici expressed concern about cartels smuggling drugs into New Mexico. "Cartels are bringing death into our communities and getting rich while American families lose loved ones," she told the New Mexico Sun in May.
Nella Domenici was born in Albuquerque and received a bachelor's degree from Georgetown University, a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center, and a graduate degree from Harvard Business School. She is running for U.S. Senate in New Mexico against Senator Martin Heinrich, according to Ballotpedia.
