New Mexico Sues DOJ Over Epstein Zorro Ranch Files

The state of New Mexico has filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, accusing the federal government of obstructing the state's criminal investigation into activities at Jeffrey Epstein's former Zorro Ranch. The lawsuit, filed on August 5, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, seeks a court order to compel the release of complete, unredacted federal investigative files related to Epstein.

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez alleges that the Justice Department has repeatedly stonewalled the state's investigation by refusing to share key documents. State officials argue these records are essential for identifying victims, witnesses, and potential suspects connected to alleged crimes at the sprawling property near Santa Fe. The lawsuit contends that federal inaction actively harms victims and undermines the public interest by delaying justice.

The Justice Department, in response, has stated it has provided some materials but is legally prohibited from disclosing victim-identifying information due to the Epstein Files Transparency Act and existing protective court orders. A department...