John Block, a representative for New Mexico's House District 51, said he believes that actions should have consequences, including prison time, in response to a rise in juvenile-related crimes in the state. He made this statement in a post on the social media platform X on March 23.
"Juvenile crime is out of control in New Mexico," said Block, State Representative. "We must REFUSE TO CODDLE JUVENILE DELINQUENTS. LOCK THEM UP. Actions should have consequences (prison time), not $2,000 homicide scholarships, New Mexico Dems!"
According to Block's post, he referenced a report by the New York Post concerning four individuals arrested following a shooting at a car meet-up in New Mexico. The incident resulted in three fatalities and injuries to 15 others. Among those arrested were three juveniles—two aged 17 and one aged 15. The fourth suspect was identified as Tomas Rivas, aged 20. All four face charges of three counts of murder, with potential additional charges for manslaughter or first- or second-degree murder. The shooting took place when two groups exchanged gunfire at Young Park. The victims were identified as Dominick Estrada, 19; Jason Gomez, 18; and Andrw Madrid, 16.
Screenshot of State Representative John Block's March 23 post on X
| X
The $2,000 payments mentioned by Block pertain to House Bill 255. According to the New Mexico Sun, this bill seeks to rename the juvenile corrections act and includes a pilot program offering up to $2,000 per month to eligible New Mexico residents under 26 who are former foster children. To qualify for this program, individuals must have been either adjudicated and incarcerated or aged out of the Fostering Connections program. Eligibility also requires enrollment in post-secondary education, an apprenticeship, or a program aimed at promoting employment and removing employment barriers. The stipend is intended to cover living expenses such as housing and will be tailored according to the individual’s income and public assistance.
Although House Bill 255 passed the House of Representatives on March 8 with a vote of 34-24 (12 legislators were excused from voting), it did not pass the state Senate on March 21 where it was voted down with a count of 13-24 (with three senators absent and two excused). This outcome means that the bill has officially failed and will not proceed further.
Block is a Republican politician from Otero County and founded the Piñon Post, a conservative news outlet. He was re-elected in 2024 to represent House District 51. Block advocates for conservative values and free speech with legislative priorities that include limited government and individual liberties.
