New Mexico deploys National Guard to Albuquerque as fentanyl and juvenile crime spiral out of control, but critics argue this measure falls short of addressing the root causes.
Key Insights
- Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has ordered 60-70 National Guard members to Albuquerque by mid-May to assist with the fentanyl crisis and rising juvenile crime.
- The National Guard will not directly combat crime but will handle traffic control and prisoner transport, freeing police for critical duties.
- Republican leaders criticize the approach as insufficient, calling for stricter bail reform and harsher penalties instead.
- Fentanyl was involved in 65% of overdose deaths in New Mexico in 2023, highlighting the severity of the drug crisis.
- Albuquerque police have arrested or cited 2,600 minors aged 11-17 over the past five years, including serious cases like a 13-year-old charged with first-degree murder.
Rising Crime Crisis Prompts Military Response
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an executive order deploying National Guard personnel to Albuquerque in response to what her administration described as “critical issues requiring immediate intervention.” The deployment will bring 60-70 National Guard members to the city by mid-May to support local law enforcement as they battle a growing juvenile crime wave and fentanyl epidemic. This marks an unusual step in using military resources to address civilian law enforcement challenges in one of America’s troubled urban centers.
The Guard members will be unarmed and dressed in civilian clothing, focusing on supportive roles rather than direct enforcement. Their primary responsibilities will include scene security, traffic control, and prisoner transport – tasks designed to free up police officers for more urgent crime-fighting activities. This approach comes as Albuquerque struggles with a particularly problematic 2-mile stretch of Central Avenue known for homelessness and rampant drug abuse.
If crime in ABQ is down, then why do we need the National Guard to assist APD with handling crime?#nmpol #kellerkrime @NicoleforNM @MayorKeller pic.twitter.com/oCHjddA6G5
— New Mexico Senate Republicans (@NMSenate_GOP) April 9, 2025
Republican Criticism and Calls for Stronger Action
The deployment has drawn sharp criticism from Republican leaders who view it as an inadequate response to the severity of the city’s crime problem. New Mexico Republican Party Executive Director Leticia Muñoz has been particularly vocal in her opposition to the governor’s approach, arguing that more substantial reforms are needed to address the underlying issues driving crime in the community. “No, this is definitely not enough. What this is, is you can see a mismanagement, obviously, of the mayor. And, you know, as much as we appreciate all the work that the law enforcement is doing here in Albuquerque, we know that their hands are tied. We know that there needs to be bail reform and reform as far as the deterrent of keeping individuals in jail longer,” remarked Muñoz.
Muñoz also criticized a proposed pilot program that would offer housing assistance to juvenile suspects after detention, describing it as “coddling” young offenders rather than holding them accountable. The Republican leadership’s position reflects a broader policy divide on addressing crime – emphasizing stricter penalties and incarceration versus the Democratic administration’s focus on support services and resource reallocation.
Juvenile Crime and Fentanyl: A Deadly Combination
The alarming rise in juvenile crime presents particular challenges for law enforcement. Records show Albuquerque police have arrested or cited 2,600 minors between ages 11 and 17 in the past five years. In one recent case, a 13-year-old boy was charged with first-degree murder following a fatal car accident and was linked to multiple burglaries. Law enforcement officials have expressed concern about the increasing involvement of minors in serious criminal activities.
Simultaneously, the fentanyl crisis continues to devastate communities across New Mexico. Sheriff John Allen of Bernalillo County reported that Operation Route 66, a targeted law enforcement initiative, has already led to the seizure of 2,700 fentanyl pills and nearly 400 arrests. Despite these efforts, the synthetic opioid was implicated in 65% of all overdose deaths in the state during 2023, underscoring the magnitude of the problem facing authorities.
Community Reception and Civil Liberties Concerns
Community reactions to the National Guard deployment have been mixed. Some residents, like retired chef Will Stephens who regularly encounters drug users near his home, support the increased presence of law enforcement. Mayor Tim Keller has highlighted recent decreases in crime rates, suggesting that the Guard deployment will help build on this positive momentum. Yet others question whether bringing in military personnel is necessary or appropriate for civilian law enforcement challenges.
As this unprecedented deployment moves forward, Albuquerque faces a critical test of whether redirecting military resources to civilian law enforcement functions can effectively address complex social problems without compromising civil liberties or community trust. The outcome may influence similar decisions in other cities struggling with comparable challenges across America.
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National Guard to help Albuquerque fight crime, but some wonder if it’s necessary
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