Albuquerque, N.M. — Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has declared a state of emergency for Albuquerque, announcing that up to 70 members of the New Mexico National Guard will be deployed to assist police as the city battles a growing crime wave fueled by fentanyl and youth violence.
“The safety of New Mexicans is my top priority,” the governor said Tuesday. “This partnership represents our commitment to addressing the fentanyl crisis and juvenile crime with every resource at our disposal.”
The move follows a formal request for help from Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina, who cited a dangerous spike in incidents — particularly along the Central Avenue Corridor, long a hotspot for crime and drug activity.
“Every arrest and welfare check on Central Avenue drains resources we need elsewhere,” Medina said in his letter to the governor. “This partnership is vital for reinforcing community trust and ensuring faster response to incidents.”
What the National Guard Will Do
Starting in mid-May, Guard members will support police in a variety of roles, including:
- Traffic control and scene security at critical incidents
- Medical and humanitarian support in high-risk areas
- Court security and prisoner transportation
- Support for drone and aviation operations
- Help with the Shield Unit, which builds cases for prosecution
The deployment is being coordinated with the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security, Department of Public Safety, State Police, and APD. Guard members are currently undergoing training ahead of the mission.
Why It Matters
The initiative comes as Albuquerque faces serious challenges with fentanyl overdoses, violent juvenile crime, and public safety concerns along Central Avenue. The governor’s office said the goal is to meet “immediate needs” while working toward long-term safety solutions for residents.
Gov. Lujan Grisham, a Democrat and former U.S. Representative, is currently serving her final term as governor.
Do you support deploying the National Guard for local crime response? Or should these problems be handled differently? Let us know in the comments.