National Guard sent to Albuquerque in plain clothes amid crime uptick

The National Guard is stepping in to help police in Albuquerque

It's an effort to fight crime and help police on the streets, but they won't look like typical soldiers

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham approved the deployment back in April after the city's

police chief asked for state support. The focus has been on the Central Avenue corridor

an area locals call the war zone. In a March memo, Police Chief Harold Medina said officers

were making progress but needed backup to keep it going. The governor then authorized the

activation of 60 to 70 Guard members under emergency powers. There are always, right

all of our resources that help keep peace and calm and public safety and respond to emergencies

The Guard members spent weeks training with local and federal agencies. In a podcast ahead

of their assignment, Major General Miguel Aguilar told KRQE his soldier's role is creating a

lasting law enforcement presence within the community. And it took a little time for it all to develop and then for us to figure out really what is the right presence under the right authority in order to provide a support

During his interview, Aguilar didn't address that soldiers wouldn't appear in their traditional form

meaning they aren't armed, won't wear uniforms, and won't make arrests. Instead, they'll help secure crime scenes, direct traffic, assist with bookings and use drones or

video to support investigations. The city stresses they won't stop cars, use military vehicles

or take part in immigration enforcement. Meanwhile, some crime numbers are moving in the right

direction. Last month, aggravated assaults and sex crimes were down 12 percent, robberies down 24

percent. Homicides also fell from 36 in May of last year to 27 this year. There's no set end date

for the National Guard's presence. The order says it's in effect until funding runs out or there's

support is no longer needed. For Straight Arrow News, I'm Kaylee Carey. For the latest updates

fact-driven and unbiased, head to san.com or download the Straight Arrow News mobile app