New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has declared a state of emergency in Rio Arriba County, the city of Española, and nearby Pueblos. The decision follows requests from local governments due to a marked rise in violent crime, drug trafficking, and public safety concerns that have outpaced local resources.
Over the past two years, police calls in Española and surrounding areas have more than doubled. Police dispatches to businesses have increased fourfold during the same period. Rio Arriba County is currently experiencing the highest overdose death rate in New Mexico, with residents facing addiction to fentanyl and other illicit drugs.
“When our local leaders called for help to protect their communities, we responded immediately with decisive action,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “We are making every resource available to support our local partners on the ground and restore public safety and stability to these areas that have been hardest hit by this crisis.”
The governor’s Executive Order 2025-358 allocates up to $750,000 in emergency funding for the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. These funds will be used to coordinate response efforts and provide resources for affected communities.
Local officials say the increase in criminal activity has led to higher rates of homelessness, family instability, and fatal drug overdoses. This situation has put significant pressure on local governments and police departments, prompting their call for immediate state assistance.
The emergency declaration will remain active until all authorized funds are spent or until it is determined that emergency assistance is no longer needed.
