AS BORDER CRISIS CONTINUES, NM HOUSE REPUBLICANS PUSH FOR ENHANCED MEASURES TO ADDRESS PUBLIC SAFETY
SANTA FE, NM - Today, following a visit to the U.S. - Mexico border on Tuesday, New Mexico House Republicans sent a letter to Governor Lujan Grisham formally asking her to include in her agenda for the July special session specific measures that will address the criminal activity occurring along the border that is resulting in our state’s unacceptable violent crime problem and the growing problem of fentanyl abuse among our young people.
“Representing a House district that covers over 150 miles of our southern border, I see firsthand the devastation our lax border enforcement has on our communities,” said State Representative Jenifer Jones (HD-32). “There is simply no excuse for this legislature or the Governor to ignore the crisis that is currently unfolding across the state.”
Representative Jones’ letter was also signed by many of her House Republican Caucus colleagues to highlight how essential it is for the Lujan Grisham administration to utilize every resource at New Mexico’s disposal, including the use of the National Guard, to respond to the chaos at the border.
House Republicans stated in the letter to the governor: “Admittedly, it is the federal government’s responsibility to manage and secure our nation’s borders. However, the Governor and state legislature are responsible for protecting the people of this state.” They further wrote: “Both National Guard presence and legislative action in the upcoming special session will signal to our federal partners that the State of New Mexico is ready to assist in defending our borders. More importantly, it will signal to the people of our state that we will not allow the breakdown at the border to continue without New Mexico doing everything it can to protect the people who live here.”
Republicans are requesting specific bills to be added to the July Special Session agenda, from increased coordination with federal officials, to increased penalties for fentanyl and human trafficking.
A copy of the letter is attached.