Military Intervention in Albuquerque: Addressing Youth Crime and Drug Epidemic

New Mexico deploys National Guard to Albuquerque as juvenile crime and fentanyl crisis overwhelm local law enforcement, but some critics argue the move falls short of addressing root causes.

Quick Takes

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s executive order will deploy 60-70 National Guard members to Albuquerque by mid-May to support police operations.
The National Guard will handle support functions like traffic control and detainee transport, freeing police to focus on crime-fighting.
Republican leaders criticize the measure as insufficient, calling for bail reform and harsher penalties for criminals.
Fentanyl was involved in 65% of overdose deaths in New Mexico in 2023, highlighting the severity of the drug crisis.
Albuquerque police have arrested or cited 2,600 minors aged 11-17 from 2019 to 2024, indicating a serious juvenile crime problem.

State Takes Emergency Action on Crime Crisis

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an executive order that will deploy between 60 and 70 National Guard personnel to Albuquerque by mid-May. The deployment comes in direct response to what officials describe as “critical issues requiring immediate intervention” – specifically the worsening fentanyl epidemic and alarming rise in juvenile crime rates. This measure follows Operation Route 66, a recent law enforcement initiative that resulted in the seizure of 2,700 fentanyl pills and nearly 400 arrests, according to Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen.

Unlike traditional military deployments, these National Guard members will serve in a support capacity rather than direct law enforcement roles. They will be unarmed, wear civilian clothing, and handle tasks like scene security, traffic control, and prisoner transport. The goal is to free up Albuquerque’s police officers to focus on core crime-fighting efforts in a city where a two-mile stretch of Central Avenue has become notorious for homelessness, drug abuse, and criminal activity.

If crime in ABQ is down, then why do we need the National Guard to assist APD with handling crime?#nmpol #kellerkrime @NicoleforNM @MayorKeller pic.twitter.com/oCHjddA6G5

— New Mexico Senate Republicans (@NMSenate_GOP) April 9, 2025

Critics Call for Stronger Measures

Republican leaders in New Mexico have voiced skepticism about the effectiveness of the National Guard deployment without accompanying legal reforms. Leticia Muñoz, Executive Director of the New Mexico Republican Party, was particularly vocal in her criticism of the governor’s approach to the crisis. She argues that the deployment fails to address fundamental issues with the criminal justice system that allow offenders to quickly return to the streets. “No, this is definitely not enough. What this is, is you can see a mismanagement, obviously, of the mayor. And, you know, as much as we appreciate all the work that the law enforcement is doing here in Albuquerque, we know that their hands are tied. We know that there needs to be bail reform and reform as far as the deterrent of keeping individuals in jail longer,” declared Muñoz.

Muñoz also criticized a proposed pilot program that would offer housing assistance to juvenile suspects after detention, describing it as “coddling” young offenders rather than holding them accountable. The debate highlights the tension between supportive interventions and punitive measures in addressing juvenile crime.

Youth Crime and Fentanyl: A Deadly Combination

The juvenile crime situation in Albuquerque has reached alarming levels. Statistics show that from 2019 to 2024, Albuquerque police have arrested or cited 2,600 minors between the ages of 11 and 17. One particularly troubling recent case involved a 13-year-old boy charged with first-degree murder after a fatal car accident. The same youth was reportedly linked to a series of burglaries, highlighting how juvenile offenders are increasingly involved in serious criminal activities.

Meanwhile, the fentanyl crisis continues to devastate New Mexico communities. In 2023, fentanyl was involved in 65% of all overdose deaths in the state. This represents a significant public health emergency that intersects with the crime crisis, as drug trafficking and substance abuse fuel other criminal activities. Law enforcement officials point to fentanyl as a driving factor behind property crimes, violent incidents, and the exploitation of vulnerable youth.

Community Reactions Mixed

Albuquerque residents have expressed mixed feelings about the National Guard deployment. Some community members, like retired chef Will Stephens who lives near a problematic area, welcome additional resources to combat crime and drug issues. Stephens, who regularly encounters drug users loitering near his home, represents residents who feel immediate action is necessary, regardless of its form.

However, civil liberties advocates, including the ACLU of New Mexico, have expressed concerns about potential rights violations with increased law enforcement presence. Other residents question whether crime concerns are being exaggerated for political purposes or whether the National Guard deployment represents an appropriate use of military personnel in civilian contexts. As the deployment proceeds, these diverse community perspectives will likely continue to shape the public discourse around crime-fighting measures in Albuquerque.