New Mexico governor declares state of emergency over crime surge in Albuquerque

In April 2025, Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in response to a notable surge in crime within the city. This declaration has led to the mobilization of sixty to seventy National Guard soldiers, who are set to start their deployment along the historic Route 66 corridor in mid-May. The governor's decision was influenced by the Albuquerque Police Chief, Harold Medina, who cited an increase in violent juvenile crime and issues related to the fentanyl epidemic as urgent matters requiring additional resources. Medina requested help in a memorandum sent to Grisham on March 31, emphasizing that the police force needed support to effectively manage their increasing workload. The duties assigned to the National Guard members are not intended to involve direct engagement with the public. Instead, their roles are primarily logistical, aimed at freeing up Albuquerque police officers to focus on law enforcement. Accomplishing tasks such as traffic control, securing crime scenes, and humanitarian assistance, the National Guard will help ensure that police officers can concentrate on what they are trained for: crime prevention and addressing public safety concerns. This collaboration is also designed to provide much-needed aid in managing increased events of property crime, drug offenses, and juvenile delinquency in Albuquerque. Critics of the mobilization, including civil rights advocates, have expressed concern that this approach may lead to the militarization of law enforcement and the potential for increased civil rights violations. They argue that employing military personnel in civilian settings risks exacerbating issues of racial profiling and the criminalization of already vulnerable populations, particularly those struggling with homelessness and poverty. Such apprehensions highlight ongoing debates about the effectiveness of military involvement in civilian law enforcement and its broader implications for community-police relations. The governor’s current emergency response follows several past efforts to tackle rising crime rates in Albuquerque. In 2021, Grisham had temporarily assigned state police officers to assist local authorities with issues such as vehicle theft and drug trafficking. The level of crime, while elevated, has shown some positive trends in recent months, with a reported 11% decrease in aggravated assaults compared to the previous year and a decline in overall violent crime. Still, Albuquerque officials, including Mayor Tim Keller, believe that the additional support provided by the National Guard will foster sustained progress in combating crime and reinvesting resources to ensure the safety of the community.