State of Emergency Declared in New Mexico County

The Governor of New Mexico, Michel Lejean Grisham, has officially declared a state of emergency in Rio Ariba County due to increasing violence, drug trafficking, and other crimes which are straining local resources.

This declaration, made on Wednesday, encompasses the area stretching from the city of Española to the Colorado border. Grisham highlighted significant public safety threats that have overwhelmed local capacities and noted that local leaders are calling for more assistance to manage the ongoing crisis.

“When our local leaders sought help in protecting their community, we responded quickly with decisive action,” Grisham stated. She emphasized the state’s commitment to supporting local partners in restoring safety and stability in the most affected areas.

The emergency declaration includes $750,000 in funding directed to the Department of Homeland Security and the Emergency Management Agency. This funding will help coordinate response efforts and bolster support for impacted communities.

Grisham pointed out that the rise in criminal activity has contributed to increased homelessness and family instability, as well as a rise in fatal drug overdoses. This situation has put significant pressure on local governments and law enforcement agencies. Moreover, emergency calls in Española and surrounding areas have reportedly more than doubled in the last two years, with police also reporting a similar spike in dispatches to businesses.

The tribal governor of Santa Clara Pueblo, located near Española, urged for immediate action to tackle the spiraling public safety crisis linked to fentanyl and alcohol abuse within the community.

“Pueblo has spent thousands trying to handle this crisis and protect our children who are suffering due to parental addiction,” Santa Clara Gov. James Naranjo noted in a letter to Grisham. “The issues surrounding fentanyl and alcohol abuse and its consequences extend beyond our community.”