New Mexico GOP demands action on border security after visit to Santa Teresa crossing

New Mexico House Republicans from southeast New Mexico called for stronger security measures at the U.S.-Mexico Border, chiding Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and the Democratic Party for purported inaction thus far leading to increased crime throughout the state, following an April 30 visit by the GOP to the crossing at Santa Teresa near Las Cruces.

The governor recently called a special legislative session for July 18, intending to address “public safety” issues and potential legislation with lawmakers. During the regular 2024 session earlier this year, both parties proposed bills they said were intended to mitigate threats to public safety as Republicans sought to increase penalties for crimes like drug trafficking and Democrats pushed stronger firearm regulations.

The Democrat-controlled legislature passed two gun bills that added a seven-day waiting period for gun sales and banned guns from poling places, with exemptions added to both for concealed carry permit holders after debating the measures. Republican legislation was largely rejected by the Legislature, but the lawmaking body did pass a resolution declaring Oct. 14 “Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Week.”

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State Rep. Larry Scott (R-62) of Hobbs said the State must do more to address the trafficking of drugs like fentanyl or methamphetamine by criminals crossing first into New Mexico from Mexico.

That’s because of a strong law enforcement presence along the national border in neighboring states like Texas and Arizona which Scott said “funneled” criminal activity to the crossings in New Mexico.

“I think the problem is not that people are coming over. The problem is we don’t know who is coming over,” Scott said. “We have insufficient documentation. They could be terrorists or drug traffickers or human traffickers. We just don’t know their intentions.”

Scott said Republicans arrived at several “low-cost opportunities” to improve security at the international border that would be proposed during the special session. These included capital outlay funds for a series of cameras along the boundary Scott said could tie into an existing system installed by Arizona. He said that would cost “less than $3 million.” Scott also suggested a resolution calling on New Mexico State Police to work with the U.S. Border Patrol to enforce immigration laws.

Lujan Grisham has the authority during a special session to decide which legislation will be taken up by lawmakers, and Scott said the border should be the main topic in July. He also said the state should “reassess catch and release,” referencing the alleged practice of arresting and then releasing people who are undocumented in the U.S.

“It will be a dereliction of her duty if she doesn’t take up the border security issues during a public safety special session,” Scott said of Lujan Grisham. “If you look at the data, everything we have done has not hit that curve of gun violence. It’s not happening at gun shows, it’s happening with criminals who get their guns from wherever.”

Lujan Grisham spokesman Michael Coleman said the governor was concerned with border safety, and advocated for heavier federal action, meaning more border patrol agents and technology like drones being deployed to New Mexico. Coleman pointed to the New Mexico National Guard's Counterdrug Support Program which deploys 32 soldiers and eight airmen to the border to assist law enforcement. He also called on Congress to pass legislation recently rejected by the U.S. House of Representatives Coleman said would have added 1,500 new Customs and Border Patrol personnel and 4,300 new asylum officers to assist with asylum seekers crossing the U.S-Mexico border.

"Instead of engaging in political theater at the border in an election year, Gov. Lujan Grisham urges New Mexico Republicans to call their counterparts in the U.S. House and implore them to pass the bipartisan border security legislation pending in Congress," Coleman said in an emailed statement. "The governor stands ready to work with the Biden administration and Congress to bolster border security in accordance with federal law."

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Border security 'an issue for all New Mexicans,' Republicans say

State Rep. Jim Townsend (R-54) of Artesia also joined the GOP’s trip to Santa Teresa and said the trip displayed that immigration was “not just an issue for Republicans.”

“It’s an issue for all New Mexicans,” Townsend said. “I think you’d be amazed at the loss of life and what’s been going on. Most of the job of the Border Patrol is trying to save the lives of the immigrants. It’s heartbreaking.”

Townsend said the lawmakers were joined by a number of county sheriffs from around New Mexico. He said the State should do more during the session to support local law enforcement and other agencies along the U.S.-Mexico Border to mitigate crime.

“If it’s about public safety, I think if you’re calling a special session, you ought to be addressing the No. 1 issue which is border security,” Townsend said. “I think there are things the Legislature can do that will help long-term with crime.”

Ahead of the trip on April 29 New Mexico Rep. Cathrynn Brown (R-55) of Carlsbad also worried an influx of migrants through the U.S.’ southern border was “straining” local school districts. She said New Mexico should deploy the U.S. National Guard to assist in border enforcement, while increasing local law enforcement funding.

Brown said she hoped Republicans and Democrats could work together during the session to enact legislation targeting crime at the border.

“This is a huge issue, and we cannot go on without addressing it,” Brown said. “It’s time to get serious. We (Republicans and Democrats) have some fundamental differences on what is possible, but it just can’t keep going like this. They (Democrats) control everything, but it’s time to work together to do what’s good for New Mexico.”

Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, achedden@currentargus.com or @AdrianHedden on the social media platform X.

This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: New Mexico GOP visits Mexico border crossing at Santa Teresa