New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham reports that deploying the National Guard to tackle crime in Albuquerque has significantly impacted crime rates, with felony arrests increasing by 22% and misdemeanor arrests by 30%.
The Democratic governor, who declared a public safety emergency in April and dispatched several dozen National Guard troops to Albuquerque’s Route 66 corridor, justified her decision as crucial for ensuring residents’ safety in their communities.
“I’m not seeking a reputation. I’m determined to address a problem until every New Mexican can fully exercise their constitutional right to feel safe in their church, home, and grocery store,” Grisham stated.
“Democrats ought to lean in to make sure that everyone in their states and communities feels and is safe,” she said.
The governor’s remarks arise amid President Donald Trump’s controversy over deploying the National Guard to Washington D.C. and Memphis, and his threats of similar actions in Chicago.
Grisham’s deployment in New Mexico’s largest city has received little national attention compared to Trump’s federal interventions.
Grisham issued an executive order in April paving the way for 60 to 70 troops to be deployed, with training commencing by mid-May. The order also allocated state funds for the National Guard’s operation.
Unlike direct law enforcement roles, the National Guard troops in Albuquerque focus on support tasks such as directing traffic, securing crime scenes, transporting prisoners, and providing courthouse security, thus allowing police officers to concentrate on more critical duties.
Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina called the National Guard support “crucial” in giving officers more time for street patrols. Mayor Tim Keller said nearly every category of crime has decreased since the beginning of the year.
Grisham criticizes federal intervention, wants more federal agents instead
While supporting governors deploying their own state’s National Guard, Grisham criticized federal intervention strategies, saying she agrees with the majority of Democratic governors that such approaches are “not strategic” and “not helpful.”
However, she also noted that the president could be helpful by providing “some more FBI agents and how about some more DEA officers or ATF — these are all the federal folks — U.S. marshals. How about some more prosecutors?” she said.
Governors typically deploy the National Guard for natural disasters, border security or, as seen in New York last year, metro system patrols following high-profile crimes.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
