Santa Fe, New Mexico – The Governor of New Mexico, Michelle Lujan Grisham, has declared a state of emergency in parts of northern New Mexico, including Rio Arriba County and surrounding Pueblo communities, in a decisive move to curb crime, drug trafficking, and related social crises.
The emergency order comes amid growing concerns over violent crime, illegal drug trade, and a sharp rise in opioid-related deaths in the region. The Rio Arriba County area, which stretches from the city of Española, about 40 km north of Santa Fe, to the Colorado state border, has long struggled with one of the nation’s highest death rates from opioid use and drug overdoses. In recent years, more populated areas have seen an increase in homeless encampments, further straining local resources.
Under the emergency declaration, $750,000 in state funds has been made available to support local governments, tribal administrations, and law enforcement agencies in their efforts to address the crisis. The measure also authorizes officials to request assistance from the New Mexico National Guard if necessary, though no immediate deployment has been announced for Rio Arriba County.
Governor Lujan Grisham emphasized that the surge in criminal activity is fueling homelessness, family instability, and fatal overdoses, placing extreme pressure on police departments and community services.
Previous Emergency in Albuquerque
This is not the first such move by the governor. In April, Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency in Albuquerque, New Mexico’s largest city, citing a sharp increase in crime and requesting support from the National Guard.
Santa Clara Pueblo’s Appeal
The emergency decision also follows a July appeal from Santa Clara Pueblo Governor James Naranjo, who urged state intervention to address the “growing public safety crisis” caused by fentanyl abuse, alcohol addiction, rising crime, and homelessness. In his letter to Lujan Grisham, Naranjo highlighted that the Pueblo community had already spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to safeguard children directly affected by parental or guardian addiction. He stressed that the crisis is not confined to tribal lands but is impacting the broader community.
With this emergency declaration, state leaders aim to coordinate a comprehensive crackdown on crime and drug trafficking in rural New Mexico, while providing relief to communities on the front lines of the opioid and homelessness crises.
