ESPAÑOLA, N.M. — Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has declared a state of emergency for the city of Española and surrounding pueblos in Rio Arriba County, citing a sharp increase in violent crime, drug trafficking, and public safety threats.
According to the governor’s office, police dispatches in the area have doubled over the past two years, with calls to businesses quadrupling. The emergency declaration, announced Wednesday, is intended to bolster local response efforts and provide additional resources to communities most affected.
“When our local leaders called for help to protect their communities, we responded immediately with decisive action,” said Lujan Grisham. “We are making every resource available to support our local partners on the ground and restore public safety and stability.”
Up to $750,000 in emergency funding has been authorized for the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The funds will be used to coordinate response efforts and deliver support to impacted areas.
The New Mexico National Guard has not been assigned a mission related to the emergency declaration. The order will remain in effect until it is deemed no longer necessary.
Española City Councilor Sam LeDoux expressed strong support for the governor’s decision, pointing to the city’s fentanyl crisis and its connection to rising crime and homelessness.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
