New Mexico Gov. Lujan Grisham has declared a state of emergency within the metropolis of Española and close by areas in response to what she calls “a major surge” in violent crime and drug trafficking.
The governor’s order, which additionally covers the world of Rio Arriba County, Santa Clara and Ohkay Owingeh, authorizes $750,000 in emergency funding for the Division of Homeland Safety and Emergency Administration to supply sources to these group, Grisham stated in a information launch on Wednesday.
Grisham cited police calls in Española and surrounding areas having greater than doubled up to now two years, with police dispatches to companies additionally quadrupling.
Rio Arriba County has the best overdose loss of life charge within the state, the governor stated. It’s simply north of Santa Fe County and east of Taos County, and can also be house to Abiquiu, most well-known for being the house of Georgia O’Keeffe.
Fentanyl was concerned in 65% of overdose deaths in 2023, in line with the state’s health department, however the statewide overdose deaths have declined 8% since 2021 when the quantity peaked.
That is the second time this yr the Democratic governor has declared a state of emergency over crime within the state. In April, Grisham declared a state of emergency in Albuquerque, authorizing the deployment of about 70 New Mexico Nationwide Guard members to New Mexico’s largest metropolis.
It is a growing story. Examine again for updates.
contributed to this report.
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