New Mexico deploys National Guard to combat Albuquerque’s rising juvenile crime and fentanyl epidemic, but critics argue stronger measures are needed to address the root causes.

At a Glance

• Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has ordered 60-70 National Guard personnel to deploy to Albuquerque by mid-May
• National Guard will assist with scene security, traffic control, and prisoner transport to free up police resources
• Republican critics call the move insufficient, demanding bail reform and harsher penalties
• Albuquerque police have arrested or cited 2,600 minors aged 11-17 over the past five years
• Fentanyl was involved in 65% of New Mexico’s overdose deaths in 2023

National Guard Deployment Details

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an executive order to deploy National Guard personnel to Albuquerque in response to what she described as “critical issues requiring immediate intervention.” The deployment will bring 60-70 guardsmen to New Mexico’s largest city by mid-May, primarily to support local law enforcement. These National Guard members will be unarmed and dressed in civilian clothing to minimize community disruption while handling supportive roles such as scene security, traffic control, and prisoner transport.

The guardsmen will not directly combat the fentanyl crisis or juvenile crime but will free up Albuquerque police officers to focus on criminal activities. Governor Lujan Grisham stated the deployment is intended to allow police to “focus on what they do best — keeping our communities safe.” The National Guard’s presence comes as the city grapples with alarming statistics showing that from 2019 to 2024, Albuquerque police have arrested or cited 2,600 minors between the ages of 11 and 17.

Republican Opposition and Calls for Stronger Measures

The National Guard deployment has drawn criticism from Republican leaders who view it as an insufficient response to Albuquerque’s crime problems. Leticia Muñoz, Executive Director of the New Mexico Republican Party, has been particularly vocal in her opposition, pointing to underlying issues she believes need addressing. Muñoz has called for more comprehensive solutions, including bail reform and longer incarceration periods for offenders.

“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.”, said Leticia Muñoz.

Muñoz has also criticized a proposed pilot program that would offer housing assistance to juvenile suspects following detention, characterizing it as “coddling” rather than addressing the root causes of juvenile crime. Republican opposition highlights the political divide over how best to address crime in a city that has seen serious juvenile offenses, including a recent case involving a 13-year-old boy charged with first-degree murder after a fatal car accident.

The Fentanyl Crisis and Law Enforcement Response

The fentanyl epidemic remains a pressing concern for New Mexico, with the synthetic opioid involved in 65% of the state’s overdose deaths in 2023. Law enforcement has responded with initiatives like Operation Route 66, which Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen reports has led to the seizure of 2,700 fentanyl pills and nearly 400 arrests. A particularly problematic 2-mile stretch on Central Avenue has become known for homelessness and drug abuse, creating ongoing challenges for residents and businesses.

“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.”, said John Allen.

While Albuquerque’s crime rates have shown some improvement, authorities aim to maintain this positive trend. Mayor Tim Keller noted, “We’re finally seeing a sustained positive shift in most crime trends for the first time in decades, and now is the time to build on that momentum.” The police department is specifically targeting juvenile crime with the aim of preventing escalation from minor offenses to more serious crimes as young offenders age.

Mixed Community Response

Albuquerque residents have expressed divided opinions about the National Guard deployment. Will Stephens, a retired chef who regularly encounters drug users near his home, supports the Guard’s presence. “Every day, I have to deal with it. I ignore them. That’s the best way to deal with it. It’s not worth getting caught up in stupidness,” Stephens said, reflecting the frustration many residents feel about ongoing drug and crime issues in their neighborhoods.

Other community members question whether the deployment is necessary or will be effective, especially given that guardsmen will not directly confront criminals. The ACLU of New Mexico has raised concerns about potential civil rights violations with increased policing in the area. As the National Guard prepares to integrate into Albuquerque’s law enforcement landscape, the effectiveness of this approach in addressing both juvenile crime and the fentanyl crisis remains to be seen.