New Mexico declares emergency in Rio Arriba over crime and drugs

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency on Wednesday covering Rio Arriba County, including the city of Española and nearby Native American pueblo communities, in response to what she described as a significant surge in violent crime and drug trafficking that has strained local resources. The declaration authorizes up to 750,000 in emergency funding to support the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, expand police capabilities, and coordinate a broader response. Officials said the move aims to stabilize communities, relieve stretched local agencies, and deter a cycle of crime tied to illicit substances.

The geographic scope of the order spans a large swath of northern New Mexico, from Española about 25 miles north of Santa Fe to the Colorado state line, and encompasses two Native American pueblos. Local leaders and tribal officials said resources were overwhelmed as crime, drug activity, and related social challenges escalated. Grisham noted that police calls in Española and surrounding areas have more than doubled over the past two years, while dispatches to businesses have quadrupled, underscoring the pressure on law...