New Mexico deploys the National Guard to combat juvenile crime and fentanyl crisis, but Republicans say it’s just putting a Band-Aid on a bullet wound.
New Mexico’s Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has ordered 60-70 National Guard troops into Albuquerque by mid-May in response to spiraling juvenile crime and a fentanyl epidemic that’s claiming lives at an alarming rate. While local law enforcement welcomes the extra hands, Republican officials are slamming the move as woefully inadequate, criticizing Democrats for continuing to coddle criminals instead of keeping them behind bars. The deployment comes as Albuquerque struggles with more than 2,600 juvenile arrests in recent years and after a 13-year-old was charged with first-degree murder following a fatal car crash.
Blue State Band-Aids Won’t Stop the Bleeding
Let’s call this what it is – another half-measure from a Democrat governor who refuses to acknowledge the root of the problem. The National Guard troops won’t even be armed! They’ll be wearing civilian clothes while handling traffic control and prisoner transport. That’s right, folks – the solution to murderous teens and deadly drug dealers is apparently to have the National Guard direct traffic. You can’t make this stuff up.
What’s even more maddening is hearing the tepid response from authorities who seem proud that they’ve made “close to 400 arrests” in a city where fentanyl was involved in 65% of overdose deaths last year. Meanwhile, dangerous juvenile offenders keep cycling through a revolving door justice system, getting released back onto the streets faster than the paperwork can be processed.
Republicans Call for Real Solutions as Democrats Fumble
New Mexico Republican Party Executive Director Leticia Muñoz isn’t mincing words about this National Guard deployment. She’s calling out the obvious – this is just political theater that fails to address the fundamental issues plaguing Albuquerque and cities across America where progressive policies have handcuffed law enforcement.
“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.” – Leticia Muñoz
She’s absolutely right. The criminal justice system in Albuquerque, like so many other Democrat-run cities, has become a joke to criminals. When a 13-year-old can go on a crime spree culminating in a fatal crash and murder charge, something is fundamentally broken. And the Democrats’ solution? A pilot program offering housing assistance to juvenile criminals after they’re released from detention. Because nothing says “don’t do crime” like rewarding offenders with free housing courtesy of the taxpayers!
Operation Route 66: A Glimpse of What Works
There is one bright spot in this absurd situation. Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen reported that Operation Route 66 has led to the seizure of 2,700 fentanyl pills and hundreds of arrests. This is what focused law enforcement looks like when they’re allowed to do their jobs. But even Sheriff Allen recognizes the need for all the help he can get in this uphill battle.
“I will accept and collaborate with anybody that helps with crime, period. But our deputies and the New Mexico State Police, probation and parole, the DA’s office, we’ve had close to 400 arrests, and we’re getting fentanyl off the streets. I know that we’re making a difference in the community.” – John Allen
The citizens of Albuquerque are caught in the crossfire of this political negligence. Will Stephens, a retired chef, deals with drug users loitering near his home daily. His coping strategy? “I ignore them. That’s the best way to deal with it.” This is what life has come to for law-abiding citizens in Democrat-run cities – just ignore the criminals and hope they don’t target you. Is this really the American dream the left is selling?
Constitutional Concerns While Crime Continues
Predictably, the ACLU of New Mexico is more concerned about potential civil rights violations from increased policing than they are about the civil rights of victims whose lives are destroyed by violent criminals and deadly drugs. Meanwhile, Mayor Tim Keller is patting himself on the back for a slight decrease in crime rates, as if Albuquerque residents should be grateful that their city is merely terrible instead of catastrophic.
The truth is that until New Mexico embraces meaningful bail reform, implements serious consequences for juvenile offenders, and gives law enforcement the tools and authority they need to clean up the streets, no amount of National Guard traffic directors will make a real difference. The state needs leadership that prioritizes victims over criminals and public safety over progressive ideology.
