In response to a surge in violent crime and fentanyl use, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has deployed National Guard troops to Albuquerque, a decision that has sparked debate and drawn comparisons to President Trump's military deployment proposals. The area around Route 66, referred to by locals as the War Zone, has seen increased crime and homelessness, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Guard, wearing civilian attire, will support the understaffed police department in non-combat roles such as traffic direction and security monitoring, costing the state approximately $750,000 monthly. While some locals see this as a necessary intervention to restore order, others criticize it as inadequate, emphasizing the need for long-term solutions like better housing and services. The deployment's impact on the community and its potential liabilities, such as the lack of body cameras for Guard members, remain contentious points among residents and officials alike.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico has decided to deploy National Guard troops to Albuquerque to assist with the rising crime and fentanyl crisis, a move that has caused controversy and drawn parallels to President Trump's proposed military interventions in cities.

Albuquerque's International District, also known as the War Zone, faces significant challenges with crime and homelessness, issues that have worsened since the pandemic, leading to a decline in local businesses and increased security measures by residents.

The National Guard's role will be to support the local police force, which is struggling with understaffing, by taking on non-combat duties such as directing traffic and monitoring security, without carrying weapons or making arrests, in a deployment costing the state $750,000 monthly.

While some community members view the Guard's deployment as a necessary step to improve public safety, others argue that it fails to address the root causes of crime and neglects the need for better infrastructure and social services in the affected neighborhoods.

Critics are concerned about the potential militarization of the community and the liabilities involved, such as the lack of body cameras for Guard members, as they assist the police in managing crime scenes and other duties.

Despite the city's efforts to reduce crime, including clearing encampments and launching public safety campaigns, skepticism remains about the effectiveness of these measures and the long-term impact of the Guard's presence in Albuquerque.

The deployment of the National Guard in non-traditional roles is not unprecedented, as seen in past events like the response to protests and natural disasters, but it raises questions about their suitability for handling complex urban issues such as those faced in Albuquerque.