ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Dozens of protesters marched through downtown Albuquerque Thursday evening, calling for greater police accountability and reforms to the way law enforcement responds to mental health crises.
The demonstration began at Robinson Park before participants marched to Albuquerque Police Department headquarters. Protesters carried signs, chanted, and voiced concerns about officer-involved shootings in Bernalillo County. They specifically referenced the May police shooting of Jose Armas, which remains under investigation.
Organizers said they want changes to police practices and increased support for people experiencing behavioral health emergencies. Protesters argued that more resources should be directed toward crisis intervention and community-based services.
The rally comes as officer-involved shootings remain a focus of public debate across New Mexico. According to New Mexico State Police, there have been 32 officer-involved shootings statewide in 2026, 27 of which resulted in fatalities.
Earlier this year, Albuquerque Police Department released details regarding the shooting involving Armas, saying officers were responding to a welfare check when the encounter escalated. Police said Armas fired a gun at officers before he was shot.
