Michelle Lujan Grisham, governor of New Mexico, announced the deployment of the National Guard to support the Albuquerque Police Department. This initiative aims to allow officers to concentrate on addressing the fentanyl crisis and enhancing community safety. Grisham made this statement in a press release on April 8.
"The safety of New Mexicans is my top priority," said Grisham. "By deploying our National Guard to support APD with essential duties, we're ensuring that trained police officers can focus on what they do best–keeping our communities safe."
According to the press release, starting in mid-May, 60–70 National Guard personnel will be deployed to Albuquerque. Their roles will include scene security, humanitarian aid, prisoner transport, and security support across key city sites. This deployment is intended to enable the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) to focus more on enforcement efforts. The coordination of this effort involves both state and local agencies with the goal of boosting community safety and trust through an increased law enforcement presence.
The New Mexico Department of Health has identified fentanyl as the leading cause of overdose deaths in New Mexico, accounting for 65% of such fatalities in 2023. This marks a significant increase from previous years as synthetic opioids have surpassed heroin and prescription drugs in prevalence. The department describes the fentanyl crisis as a public health emergency.
Albuquerque has experienced a notable rise in juvenile felony gun crimes, with a 57% increase from 2022 to 2023. However, by late 2024, intervention programs contributed to a 37.5% decrease in these crimes compared to the previous year. City officials attribute this decline to improved coordination between schools, courts, and police departments, according to KOB 4.
Grisham is New Mexico’s 32nd governor and holds the distinction of being the first Democratic Latina U.S. governor. She has previously served as chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and has prioritized education, healthcare, and economic growth during her tenure. A native New Mexican with deep roots in the state, she holds a law degree from the University of New Mexico.
