New Mexico Governor Deploys National Guard to Albuquerque to Combat Crime

April 9, 2025 TruthUSA

“The safety of New Mexicans is my utmost concern,” stated Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

On April 8, New Mexico’s governor announced authorization for the National Guard to deploy to Albuquerque in response to a “significant increase in crime” in the area.

The rise in crime over recent years in New Mexico’s largest city has placed a strain on the Albuquerque Police Department (APD), compelling officers to concentrate on crime suppression, which “restricts their capability to conduct other vital public safety tasks,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham mentioned in an executive order declaring a crime state of emergency in the city.

She has allocated up to $750,000 to support Guard personnel in Albuquerque, providing military assistance to the APD.

“The safety of New Mexicans is my utmost concern,” Grisham stated in a release. “By utilizing our National Guard to assist APD with essential responsibilities, we’re allowing trained police officers to concentrate on their primary mission—ensuring the safety of our communities. This collaboration demonstrates our dedication to tackling the fentanyl crisis and youth crime using every resource we have.”

Situated in central New Mexico, Albuquerque has a population of approximately 560,000 and is close to the state capital, Santa Fe.

According to the governor’s office, 60 to 70 Guard personnel are set to arrive in Albuquerque starting mid-May. Their assignments will include prisoner transport and courtroom security, enabling officers to redirect their focus toward law enforcement duties, the office indicated.

APD Chief Harold Medina requested Guard assistance in a letter to Grisham dated March 31 stating.

Medina acknowledged that while APD has made strides in combatting crime, “maintaining this momentum demands immediate enforcement.”

During a recent press conference, Albuquerque officials reported that while crime has been escalating over the years, there has been a decrease in nearly all categories thus far in 2025.

“The National Guard is here to assist in allowing APD officers to engage proactively, apprehending more offenders, enhancing community safety while continuing the trend of decreasing crime rates,” Medina explained during the briefing.

Officials confirmed that the Guard personnel will don civilian attire rather than uniforms and will not carry weapons.

The personnel will handle tasks such as traffic management, bus monitoring, and crime scene protection, as outlined by Medina and Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller.

This arrangement is expected to allow 20 to 30 officers to focus on law enforcement duties, according to Medina.

The department comprises around 890 sworn officers, alongside approximately 50 in training.

The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico expressed concerns regarding the Guard’s deployment.

“Everyone has the right to feel safe at home, work, and in our community. Like many in Albuquerque, we recognize that this isn’t always a reality in our city,” stated Daniel Williams, a strategist with the union, in a statement. “However, Governor Lujan Grisham’s decision to deploy the National Guard to assist Albuquerque police appears to be a display of force, rather than a solution.”

When asked about the criticism, Keller emphasized the importance of clarifying that Guard personnel will be unarmed and using no military vehicles.

“Their role will be reminiscent of post-forest fire scenarios when they engage in humanitarian efforts,” he stated. “The distinction lies in their support of a police department, which alleviates the concerns raised by critics.”

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