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3d ago

New Mexico Declares Emergency in Rio Arriba County Over Crime and Drug Crisis

Releasing $750,000 for local and tribal response, the declaration also permits National Guard activation without requiring immediate deployment.

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Overview

  • Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham declared the emergency on Aug. 13 to confront a surge in violent crime and drug trafficking in northern New Mexico’s Rio Arriba County.
  • The order unlocks $750,000 in emergency funding for county and tribal authorities to reinforce policing and expand public health responses.
  • It grants the governor authority to call up the New Mexico National Guard, although no troop deployments have been requested to date.
  • Local law enforcement and tribal officials report unprecedented strains from homelessness, family instability and a spike in fentanyl-related overdoses.
  • Santa Clara Pueblo Gov. James Naranjo warned that his community has spent thousands on child protection and addiction programs without sufficient external support.