With crime remaining prevalent in New Mexico’s largest city, state leaders are sending in the National Guard to support local police efforts, but residents might not recognize the soldiers if they see them. Albuquerque has seen an influx in violence tied to a growing fentanyl crisis and an increase in offenses committed at the hands of youth.
In response, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham authorized the deployment to help restore public safety and relieve pressure on law enforcement stretched thin by the ongoing wave of criminal activity.
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Focus on Central Avenue Corridor
Albuquerque’s Central Avenue Corridor is the focus. Often referred to as the city’s “war zone,” the corridor has become a hotspot for crime, prompting Police Chief Harold Medina to request state support earlier this year.
In a memo sent in March, Medina said his department has made strides in reducing crime citywide, but the scale and intensity of problems in the area require backup to maintain progress.
“When we pool our resources, the impact on crime is dramatic. For example, during our most recent operation, we made 112 arrests and cleared 106 felony warrants. This level of success underscores the urgent need for continued and enhanced support,” the memo said.
Emergency request approved in April
In April, Grisham approved an emergency request through an executive order to deploy 60 to 70 National Guard personnel to Albuquerque. The troops spent time training with Albuquerque police and federal authorities to prepare for their assignment.
The deployment was carried out under the governor’s emergency powers, which allow the state to activate the National Guard to support civil authorities during public safety crises. While typically used for natural disasters or large-scale emergencies, the order clarified that the Guard’s role would be limited to support services as opposed to law enforcement or military operations.
Guard members to provide support only
National Guard members deployed to Albuquerque are not in military uniform and will not be armed.
According to the Albuquerque Police Department, their role is limited to support duties, including securing active crime scenes, directing traffic, assisting with booking arrested individuals and using drones or video to aid investigations.
The department stressed that Guard members will not make arrests, stop vehicles, use military vehicles or take part in any immigration enforcement.
Some crime rates show signs of improvement
According to Medina’s crime snapshot from May, key violent crimes have declined compared to the same time in 2024. Aggravated assaults and sex crimes dropped by 12%, while robberies saw a 24% decrease during the month. In May 2024, Albuquerque recorded 36 homicides. This year, the number dropped to 27 over the same period.
contributed to this report.