New Mexico Declares Emergency, Mobilizes National Guard for Albuquerque Crime Surge

Governor Lujan Grisham's plan targets the fentanyl crisis and rising juvenile violence with National Guard deployment starting mid-May.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency in Albuquerque on April 8, citing a significant rise in crime and public safety concerns.
The New Mexico National Guard will deploy 60 to 70 troops starting mid-May to support Albuquerque police in addressing crime along Central Avenue.
The troops will assist with securing crime scenes, managing prisoner transportation, operating drone surveillance, and providing courthouse security.
The initiative focuses on combating the fentanyl epidemic and escalating juvenile violence, which have strained local law enforcement resources.
This marks a continuation of state and federal interventions in Albuquerque’s long-standing public safety challenges, following prior efforts in 2021 and earlier.