As crime explodes, NM lawmakers face renewed pressure during 2026 session

As crime continues to plague communities across New Mexico, state lawmakers are once again facing mounting pressure to confront what many residents describe as a growing crisis of public safety. Against a backdrop of violent crime, drug trafficking, repeat offenders, and high-profile incidents of carjackings and robberies, State Sen. Nicole Tobiassen is calling attention to what she says must become a unified, serious effort to restore safety and accountability.

In an email circulated this week, Tobiassen emphasized that public safety should not be treated as a partisan talking point, but rather as a core obligation of government. She pointed to concerns shared by families, business owners, first responders, and community leaders who say the criminal justice system is failing to protect law-abiding New Mexicans while allowing repeat offenders to cycle in and out of custody.

“Public safety is not a partisan issue — it is a fundamental responsibility of government,” Tobiassen wrote, adding that the consequences of rising crime are being felt in every corner of the state. She cited frustration with policies that many critics describe as “catch and release,” along with broader reforms that have weakened penalties and limited the ability of law enforcement and courts to hold violent offenders accountable.

Those concerns are at the center of an upcoming event dubbed “Public Safety Day,” an inaugural gathering set for Wednesday, January 21, at the New Mexico State Capitol. According to a formal press release issued by Senate Republican leadership, the event will take place at 11 a.m. in the Senate Finance Room and will bring together law enforcement officers, first responders, victim advocates, business owners, community organizations, and concerned citizens.

Organizers say the goal is to elevate frontline voices and push for meaningful, practical legislative action to address crime statewide. Visuals are expected to include uniformed first responders, advocates, and constituents engaging in a senator-led discussion on public safety priorities.

The event comes as New Mexico continues to struggle with some of the highest violent crime rates in the nation. From Albuquerque to smaller rural communities, residents report growing concerns over shootings, drug-related offenses, organized retail theft, and repeat criminal activity. Critics argue that a series of criminal justice reforms enacted over the past several years—often supported by progressive advocacy groups—have tilted too far toward leniency, undermining deterrence and public confidence.

While Tobiassen and other Republicans have been vocal in pushing back against what they describe as radical, open-prison policies, the broader political context is unavoidable. Democrats currently hold large majorities in both chambers of the New Mexico Legislature, and the governor’s office is also held by a Democrat. As a result, Republicans argue that responsibility for inaction—or insufficient action—on public safety ultimately rests with the party in power.

Still, Tobiassen’s message stops short of calling for partisan warfare. Instead, she frames Public Safety Day as a starting point for collaboration, urging New Mexicans of all political stripes to come together around the shared goal of safer streets and stronger communities.

“Your presence matters,” she wrote, inviting anyone who cares about the safety of their family or neighborhood to attend and be heard.

Whether the event leads to substantive policy changes remains to be seen. But as crime continues to dominate conversations at kitchen tables and city council meetings alike, pressure is building for lawmakers to move beyond rhetoric and deliver concrete solutions—solutions that balance accountability, victim protection, and public safety for all New Mexicans.