New Mexico Senate Republicans responded to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's new “Operation Disruption” initiative with cautious approval, saying its timing was politically motivated ahead of an election year.
According to a press release, on Sept. 3, Gov. Lujan Grisham announced “Operation Disruption,” an initiative aimed at combating organized crime, drug smuggling, and human trafficking in New Mexico. The effort involves collaboration between the Department of Public Safety, New Mexico State Police, and various local, federal, and international agencies as part of the Organized Crime Commission’s mission to combat cartel and criminal activities.
Senate Republicans responded to the announcement, highlighting that they have introduced multiple proposals to tackle organized crime, public safety, and border security, but all have been rejected in the legislature.
“We’re glad to see some action on the most critical issues facing our state,” Senate Republican Leader, Senator Greg Baca (R-Belen) said, according to the press release. “It’s unfortunate that it took an election year to incite action on an issue they previously claimed was not within the scope of state government. This can’t be a one-time campaign season effort, New Mexico desperately needs a sustained effort to combat these continuing and growing issues moving forward.”
“Representing the southernmost counties for the last four years has given me unique insight into the issues facing our border communities,” Senator Crystal Brantley (R-Elephant Butte) said. “Though I’m glad to see the Governor directing resources in this direction, we still lack critical telecom infrastructure, adequate barriers, and total collaboration with federal law enforcement to make a meaningful dent in our compounding crises,” added Senator Crystal Brantley (R-Elephant Butte).
In June, New Mexico Senate Republicans announced their plans to reintroduce legislation to strengthen the state’s Racketeering Act (RICO) in the upcoming Special Session. The bill continues their efforts from the regular Legislative Session earlier this year to address public safety. It seeks to target organized crime by expanding the list of offenses eligible for RICO prosecution, including harsher penalties for human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children. The legislation was initially crafted with input from top law enforcement officials, district attorneys, and police departments across the state.
On Sept. 3, Gov. Lujan Grisham announced the results of “Operation Disruption,” a 12-day multi-agency effort in August targeting human trafficking and organized crime in southern New Mexico. The operation, led by New Mexico State Police and other agencies, rescued 91 people, identified 33 stash houses, conducted 735 traffic stops, and made 16 arrests. Among the rescued were nine individuals found in the desert, including a woman in a life-threatening condition who is now recovering. The initiative was part of the Governor’s Organized Crime Commission, re-established in May 2023 to combat organized crime with a collaborative, multi-agency approach.