On Saturday, the focus of New Mexico lawmakers shifted dramatically as they wrapped up an annual legislative session, just hours after a tragic incident in Las Cruces left three individuals dead and 15 others injured due to gunfire at a public park. This incident overshadowed what was meant to be a celebratory conclusion to a 60-day legislative session, turning it into a day marked by sorrow and reflection on the state of public safety.
In light of the recent violence, Democratic House Speaker Javier Martinez of Albuquerque emphasized the need for collective action to combat these senseless acts. “This tragedy reminds us that it’s going to take all of us to continue to come together to address these senseless acts of violence,” Martinez stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Republican lawmakers, who find themselves in the legislative minority, voiced their concerns about a growing crisis in New Mexico. They urged Democratic Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to call the legislators back to the Capitol to devise strategies aimed at reducing violent crime rates. Governor Lujan Grisham acknowledged the situation, expressing her anger and disappointment. “I cannot ignore that we failed to adequately address the public safety crisis in our state,” she said in a statement.
In response to the escalating violence, New Mexico legislators have proposed a series of crime-related bills designed to enhance public safety. Among these initiatives is a bill that received unanimous support in the Senate with a 38-0 vote. This legislation aims to expand the state’s racketeering law to cover various criminal activities such as human trafficking, contraband smuggling into prisons, and cockfighting. Governor Lujan Grisham actively lobbied for this bill, emphasizing its importance in the fight against organized crime.
Furthermore, a public safety law signed by the governor in February introduced increased penalties for mass-shooting threats, fentanyl trafficking, and repeated vehicle thefts. It also banned devices like the Glock switch, which enable firearms to function as automatic weapons. Additionally, lawmakers overhauled the state’s red-flag gun law, allowing police officers to file petitions for the temporary removal of firearms from individuals deemed potentially dangerous, while also eliminating the previous 48-hour waiting period for firearm relinquishment.
Legislators have also directed their efforts towards mental health and addiction services, sending bills to the governor that propose the establishment of a trust fund to support the expansion of these crucial services. This initiative aims to identify and address existing gaps within the system, reflecting a holistic approach to public safety that goes beyond mere punitive measures.
The concerns about crime are not limited to New Mexico alone; there is a growing national trend toward a tough-on-crime stance. Both Republicans and Democrats are promoting new law enforcement initiatives in various state capitols. A recent survey by AP VoteCast, which gathered opinions from over 120,000 voters during the fall elections, revealed that nearly 80% of voters across the U.S. expressed being “very” or “somewhat” concerned about crime in their communities. Notably, the level of concern in New Mexico surpasses the national average, reflecting a heightened sense of urgency regarding public safety in the state and in several others, including Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and California.
