New Mexico governor activates National Guard, declares emergency over crime

New Mexico's governor has declared a state of emergency, but not due to a natural disaster

Instead, it's to address the safety challenges caused by crime and the state's opioid epidemic

which is stretching local police departments thin. Albuquerque, New Mexico's largest city, is experiencing a significant surge in crime

with juveniles joining the wave, according to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. Just last month, Albuquerque police arrested a 13-year-old in connection

with the 2024 murder of a man who was riding his bike to work

Investigators say the teen intentionally crashed a stolen car into the victim

with an 11-year-old and a 15-year-old also involved in the crime. Beginning in mid-May, 60 to 70 National Guard troops currently undergoing training

will be deployed to help combat the rising crime in the city. An executive order signed Tuesday reveals threats to public safety due to a rise in violent offenses

causing Albuquerque's police department to reprioritize resources to suppress crime and request help

However, both the police department and Mayor Tim Keller described the aid differently

During Tuesday's announcement, Keller explained it as more of a pilot program

with the state National Guard aimed at supporting police officers' efforts to fight crime

They are not doing law enforcement. They do not have weapons. And they're not going to be using any military vehicles

Albuquerque police chief says crime has decreased in nearly every category thanks to current efforts but the National Guard assistance will allow his force to patrol the streets and deter future

incidents. Luhan Grisham explained, we're ensuring that trained police officers can focus on what they

do best, keeping our community safe. This partnership represents our commitment to

addressing the fentanyl crisis and juvenile crime with every resource at our disposal

The troops will assist with scene control during critical incidents, provide medical support, help transport prisoners and deploy drones to enhance sky-based security

Not everyone sees the National Guard as beneficial. The ACLU of New Mexico says the governor's order isn't a solution to the problems the city faces

Policy advocate Daniel Williams says history has shown that military collaboration with local law enforcement often leads to increased civil rights violations, racial profiling and criminalization of vulnerable populations, particularly those experiencing homelessness and poverty

In 2021, Governor Luanne Grisham reassigned state police officers to local departments to help tackle drug trafficking, vehicle thefts and serve felony warrants for violent offenders

According to the city's crime stats, property crime is down 33 percent compared to last year, while violent crime has dropped 20 percent and homicides are down by 48 percent

For Straight Arrow News, I'm Kaylee Carey. Find more fact-based unbiased news right now on the Straight Arrow News mobile app