Alan Martinez, the House Republican Whip, said in a letter to Major General Miguel Aguilar that GOP lawmakers wish to meet with National Guard personnel deployed in Albuquerque. The purpose is to better understand public safety challenges and enhance statewide crime-fighting strategies.
"The people of New Mexico deserve to know what the more effective steps are that will improve public safety in their neighborhoods," said Alan T. Martinez, New Mexico State Representative for 23rd District (R). "The more information we have and the more people we communicate with, the better we can advocate for the people we represent. opportunity to meet with National Guard personnel to hear their insights on how to improve crime fighting efforts based on their experience assisting the Albuquerque Police Department. This request to meet with those on the ‘front lines' helping Albuquerque address its serious crime problem will improve policymakers' understanding of how to better protect all New Mexicans."
The July 2025 letter from New Mexico House Republican leaders responds to ongoing public concern about violent crime in Albuquerque. In recent years, the city has faced high rates of homicide, gang activity, and drug-related offenses. This situation prompted state leaders to deploy the National Guard to assist local law enforcement with support tasks. According to KRQE News 13, this effort has renewed calls from lawmakers to reassess public safety strategies and ensure transparency around resource effectiveness.
According to the Albuquerque Police Department’s 2024 Annual Report, the city recorded over 10,000 violent crimes and 118 homicides last year, marking one of the highest homicide rates in its history. Property crimes also remained elevated, with over 24,000 incidents reported. The sustained increase in crime has placed pressure on both law enforcement and city leadership to adopt stronger and more collaborative strategies.
The New Mexico National Guard began its latest assistance mission with the Albuquerque Police Department in early 2025 by deploying approximately 70 service members. Their duties are limited to administrative, logistical, and observational support roles to avoid overlap with civilian law enforcement responsibilities. As outlined in The Albuquerque Journal, while not enforcing laws directly, Guard members provide critical on-the-ground insight into community-level crime conditions.
Martinez was elected to the New Mexico House of Representatives in 2022 and currently serves as the Republican Whip. Before his legislative role, he worked in state government administration, including with the Department of Veterans Services.
