SANTA FE, NM – New Mexico House Republicans are blasting Democratic leaders for rushing to defend Edgar Chacon-Miranda following his arrest by ICE, while ignoring the disturbing criminal allegations in his past.
According to DHS and court records, Chacon-Miranda was previously arrested and charged with second-degree criminal sexual penetration, battery against a household member and child abuse. The criminal complaint alleged he sexually assaulted a woman while their children were present and later grabbed and shook her, causing her head to strike a headboard.
The case never went to trial. The charges were dismissed after prosecutors failed to proceed within required time limits while the First Judicial District Attorney's Office was led by Marco Serna.
"This is soft-on-crime New Mexico in its most disturbing form," said House Republican Whip Alan Martinez (R- Rio Rancho). "Prosecutors failed to move forward with serious charges involving rape, domestic violence and child abuse, and now Democrats are outraged because ICE took this same man into custody."
House Democrat Leader Reena Szczepanski said the Trump administration's actions turn "places of safety and care into places of fear."
"What about the fear described in this criminal complaint?" Martinez said. "What about the alleged victim and the children who were present? Democrats have plenty of outrage for ICE, but apparently very little for the people this man was accused of harming. The fact that they are publicly defending him should concern every New Mexican."
"This is who Democrats are choosing to defend. New Mexico families deserve leaders who put victims and public safety first."
