Context:

In response to escalating violent crime and drug trafficking, the governor of New Mexico has declared a state of emergency across northern New Mexico, including two Native American pueblo communities. This declaration, prompted by appeals from Rio Arriba County's local governments and tribal officials, allocates $750,000 for tackling issues aggravated by drug-related activities. The region, stretching from Española to the Colorado state line, faces severe challenges such as high drug overdose rates and increasing homelessness. The emergency declaration highlights the surge in criminal activity's impact on family stability and community safety, and while the National Guard's deployment is not immediately planned, the option remains open. Tribal leaders like Santa Clara Pueblo's governor have emphasized the crisis's broader impact, particularly the detrimental effects of fentanyl and alcohol abuse on children and the community at large.

Dive Deeper:

• The governor of New Mexico has declared a state of emergency due to violent crime and drug trafficking in northern New Mexico, which includes Native American pueblo communities. This decision addresses urgent needs expressed by local and tribal leaders in Rio Arriba County.

• The emergency declaration releases $750,000 to assist local governments and tribal officials in combating the crime wave and its associated hardships, particularly those linked to drugs. This financial aid is part of a broader effort to reinforce law enforcement and community support.

• The affected region, extending from Española to the Colorado state line, has a history of opioid abuse and high drug-overdose death rates. The emergence of homeless encampments in more populated areas is a growing concern exacerbated by the drug crisis.

• The increase in criminal activity is putting significant pressure on local governments and police departments, affecting homelessness, family stability, and leading to more fatal drug overdoses. The situation has prompted calls for immediate state-level intervention.

• While the emergency declaration for Rio Arriba County does not currently involve deploying the National Guard, it allows for such measures if necessary. This follows a similar emergency declaration earlier in Albuquerque, where crime had also surged.

• Santa Clara Pueblo's governor has highlighted the public safety crisis linked to fentanyl and alcohol abuse, stressing its damaging impact on children and the wider community. The pueblo has invested heavily to combat this crisis but acknowledges the interconnected nature of these issues across the region.

• In 2020, federal agents were sent to Albuquerque as part of efforts to control violent crime, illustrating that this issue has been a longstanding concern for New Mexico, requiring both state and federal attention.