Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has approved the deployment of New Mexico National Guard personnel to aid the Albuquerque Police Department due to public safety issues in certain city areas, particularly Central Avenue.
The Albuquerque Police Department requested this emergency support in light of the fentanyl crisis and increased violent juvenile crime requiring swift intervention. The Governor stated, “The safety of New Mexicans is my top priority. By deploying our National Guard to support APD with essential duties, we’re ensuring that trained police officers can focus on what they do best–keeping our communities safe. This partnership represents our commitment to addressing the fentanyl crisis and juvenile crime with every resource at our disposal.”
Between 60 and 70 National Guard personnel will be deployed to Albuquerque starting in mid-May, with training managed by the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and other state agencies. The aim is to enhance public safety and life quality by addressing immediate and long-term public safety challenges in Albuquerque.
National Guard support will encompass multiple areas, including scene security, traffic control, medical assistance, humanitarian efforts, prisoner transport, transit security, Metro Court security, airport security, and support for the APD Drone Program.
This deployment allows APD to reassign police resources to enforcement activities, maintaining essential services around the clock. National Guard presence will support law enforcement, enhance officer visibility in high-crime areas, and reinforce community trust.
A memorandum from APD Chief Medina to the governor and Executive Order 80 are attached to the deployment agreement.
