Deb Haaland, a candidate for governor of New Mexico, held a roundtable discussion with law enforcement leaders from southern New Mexico in Las Cruces. The meeting included police chiefs, lieutenants, marshals, and sheriffs from the region.
The event focused on issues such as staffing shortages, resource management, drug trafficking, repeat offenders, and juvenile crime. Haaland discussed potential solutions including technology to track drug traffickers, increasing pay and benefits for law enforcement to help with recruitment, and expanding mental health and rehabilitation centers.
“New Mexicans are tired of illegal drugs, kids having access to guns when they shouldn’t, and being victims to property and violent crime. We need to make sure our police departments have the resources they need and that we address the root causes of crime by making sure addiction recovery and mental health programs are funded and that kids stay in school with productive care after school too,” said Haaland. “I deeply respect the officers who day in and day out serve their communities doing one of the toughest jobs there is, and I’m grateful for their willingness to share their concerns and ideas. It was important to me that southern New Mexicans have a seat at the table in this conversation. Together, we are coming up with real solutions that will make us safer.”
Haaland emphasized her ongoing work with law enforcement on a public safety plan designed to keep violent criminals and illegal drugs off the streets while also addressing underlying causes of crime.
In her previous role as Secretary of the Interior, Haaland oversaw national law enforcement agencies such as National Park Service Police and Bureau of Land Management Office of Law Enforcement. She has managed more police officers than any other candidate currently running for governor. Additionally, she collaborated with Indian Health Service on mental health initiatives in high schools serving Native American children to help prevent addiction among youth.
During her time in Congress, Haaland secured $9.4 million for New Mexico communities aimed at combating opioid abuse through addiction services.
Haaland has traveled throughout all 33 counties in New Mexico during her campaign to meet residents directly. At a fentanyl awareness event in Española alongside families affected by addiction, she pledged support for increased investment in recovery services, family assistance programs, and additional tools for law enforcement targeting illegal drugs.
