National Guard welcomes New Mexico GOP’s efforts for open dialogue on crime

The leadership of the New Mexico House Republican Caucus sent a letter to Major General Miguel Aguilar, the Adjutant General of the New Mexico National Guard. In the letter, they requested an opportunity to meet with National Guard personnel to hear insights on how to improve crime-fighting efforts while assisting the Albuquerque Police Department. On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, KOAT spoke with Major General Miguel Aguilar as well as Republican state Rep. Nicole Chavez regarding communication efforts following New Mexico House Republicans’ letter. The letter was signed by Leader Gail Armstrong, Whip Alan Martinez, and Caucus Chair Rebecca Dow.Video Below: New Mexico Guard activated to help Albuquerque police with public safetyMORE: New Mexico National Guard trains with Albuquerque police to enhance public safety”We want answers, especially as lawmakers. We’re here to look at the facts and see, I think from their fresh eyes perspective, since they are currently helping an overwhelmed police department help fix the crisis. Is what they’re doing working?” Chavez said.”Is crime really going down? Is this helping the issues of fentanyl trafficking? Is this helping the issues of homelessness crime at all? Because if not, then we need to go to plan B, and we won’t know what plan B is until we know that plan A isn’t working,” Chavez said. “We need to see what’s working and what’s not right now because legislation needs to be drafted prior to legislative session starting, especially because this upcoming session is only 30 days long.”However, House Republicans expressed their appreciation for the brave service and professionalism of the National Guard while addressing a challenging assignment. According to the governor’s office, 60-70 National Guard personnel were set for deployment to Albuquerque in May 2025. Related: Governor authorizes National Guard to support Albuquerque Police Department On April 8, 2025. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham authorized the deployment of New Mexico National Guard personnel to support the APD in response to ongoing public safety challenges in the city, particularly along the Central Avenue corridor and other specific areas. According to the governor’s office, the emergency request from APD cites the fentanyl epidemic and rising violent juvenile crime as critical issues requiring immediate intervention. Additional support is needed to maintain momentum in addressing these challenges.”It’s a great idea, I think, that Republicans are asking this question about what’s happening in Albuquerque. I did respond. So, we’re working through scheduling that opportunity. I, the governor— we’re always welcome to open and constructive dialogue with any elected official, regardless of which party, about the initiatives we are having related to making New Mexico safer,” Aguilar told KOAT. “We’re happy to do it. We’ll have them meet with some of our members of our guard, to provide an overview of what the missions are like. Maybe some vignettes about some of the successes that we’ve had. So, they understand the commitment the governor’s made, not just financial, but in putting our guardsmen on the street to help support the city of Albuquerque,” Aguilar said. National Guard personnel will assist in multiple support areas Scene security and traffic control at critical incidentsMedical assistance and humanitarian efforts along Central AvenuePrisoner Transport Unit assistanceTransit security enhancementMetro Court security supportAviation/Sunport security assistanceShield Unit case preparation supportAPD Drone Program operational assistance Stay updated on the latest news with the KOAT app. Download here.