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Lawless Gov. MLG furious Trump wants to uphold federal immigration laws

31 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has made headlines by vowing to defy President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed mass deportation plans, which she described as “unlawful.” Speaking on the matter, Lujan Grisham argued, “I don’t know how they undertake it… They’re not going to do it because we have no federal authority here,” asserting that such actions would exceed federal limits federal authority. 

https://twitter.com/saras76/status/1859621754282348751

Her claim conveniently ignores the clear legality of enforcing immigration laws and deporting individuals who are in the country illegally.

This stance is not surprising given the governor’s track record of selective adherence to laws and standards. Lujan Grisham’s disregard for established rules is nothing new. In 2023, she issued a temporary order banning the carrying of firearms in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, citing a spike in gun violence. 

The order was widely condemned as unconstitutional by a Joe Biden-appointed judge, with her own Attorney General Raúl Torrez refusing to defend it, stating it violated the Second Amendment Second Amendment. Critics labeled the move a blatant abuse of power, and courts swiftly blocked the order.

Her defiance of federal immigration law also comes against the backdrop of troubling scandals. In 2021, Lujan Grisham paid a former staffer $150,000 to settle allegations of sexual harassment. The staffer accused the governor of unwanted physical advances, an incident that undermines her frequent public claims to champion accountability and integrity around sexual harassment.

Additionally, her administration has been criticized for mismanagement of federal COVID-19 relief funds. Reports revealed that her office also used taxpayer dollars to purchase luxury items, including expensive groceries and alcohol, during the pandemic—a decision viewed by many as tone-deaf while businesses and residents struggled to stay afloat COVID-19 relief funds, while bread lines formed around the blocks of grocery stores due to her strict pandemic orders.

While Lujan Grisham claims Trump’s deportation plans are unlawful, federal immigration laws explicitly authorize the deportation of individuals residing in the country illegally. Her rhetoric conflates the logistics of implementing such plans with their legality, ignoring that deportations are firmly within the federal government’s jurisdiction. Furthermore, her assertion that states have no role in federal enforcement is a misrepresentation of cooperative efforts between states and federal agencies, such as ICE.

Critics argue that Lujan Grisham’s willingness to disregard the law when it suits her political agenda raises serious questions about what’s left of her credibility as she enters the lame-duck phase of her second and final term as governor. Her administration’s repeated controversies—from unconstitutional gun bans to ethical lapses and mismanagement of public funds—highlight a pattern of prioritizing political theater over the rule of law.

As Trump’s administration prepares to enforce immigration laws, Lujan Grisham’s defiance underscores a broader issue of state officials cherry-picking which laws they choose to follow. Her selective adherence to legal and ethical standards invites scrutiny, especially when it involves laws designed to protect the nation’s sovereignty and the rights of its legal citizens.

Lawless Gov. MLG furious Trump wants to uphold federal immigration laws Read More »

‘Emerge’ touts Stansbury as example of building ‘firewall against MAGA’

18 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Emerge, a fringe “progressive” organization that aims to train and promote Democrat women for elected office, is rallying support following the 2024 election cycle, spotlighting leaders such as far-left Representative Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico’s First Congressional District. In a recent fundraising appeal, the group highlighted its commitment to building what it describes as a “firewall against MAGA Republicans in 2025 and beyond,” with Stansbury and other Emerge alumni taking center stage in this effort.

Stansbury, who has been part of the Emerge network since her entry into politics, exemplifies the organization’s goals of elevating far-left women to positions of influence at all levels of government. As a member of the Emerge Congressional Caucus, Stansbury and 12 other Emerge-trained lawmakers are positioned to play a key role in shaping national debates on a range of issues, from abortion up to birth to socialist government programs like “Medicare for All” and the Green New Deal.

“Emerge alums are on the frontlines of Congress and state and local governments, ready to act as a firewall to protect our most critical freedoms,” the fundraising email stated, emphasizing the group’s focus on attacking the conservative agenda. 

The dark money organization (that is, a group that does not disclose its donor or sources of funding to the IRS or any public entity), which traces its origins to Vice President Kamala Harris’s early political campaigns, has steadily expanded its influence, with more than 550 alumni running for office in the recent election cycle. To date, approximately 70% of those candidates have won their races, strengthening Emerge’s footprint across legislative bodies and community boards, according to the email.

Screenshot of Emerge fundraising email.

The fundraising ask also underscored Emerge’s mission to recruit and train the next generation of far-left Democrat women, positioning itself as a critical player in the ongoing struggle over key issues. “Progress is not always easy, but at Emerge, we know what it takes: training to win,” the communication reads, emphasizing the group’s dedication to equipping these radicals with the cash needed to win elections and drive far-left policies on all levels.

As Emerge continues to expand its network, especially in New Mexico, which has a slew of graduates, the group’s focus on cultivating leaders in the vein of Stansbury is expected to shape policy and counter Republican influence, of which Republicans must be alert and grow their own recruitment arm — and fast. With their sights set on the battles of 2025 and beyond, Emerge alums aim to solidify their presence as a formidable force in American politics and keep New Mexico Democrat-controlled for years to come.

Who’s really behind NM’s 2024 candidates? Documentary sounds alarm
NM courts chock-full of judges trained by extremist pro-abortion group

‘Emerge’ touts Stansbury as example of building ‘firewall against MAGA’ Read More »

Leftist pundit skewers Lujan Grisham over ‘embarrassing’ political flops

15 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a recent KRWG op-ed, Walt Rubel delivered a scathing critique of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s declining political influence, particularly over public safety legislation. He observed that the governor’s “attempts to arm-twist lawmakers” during last year’s special session backfired, leading to what he described as “an embarrassing rebuke” when lawmakers adjourned without action. 

According to Rubel, Lujan Grisham’s hardline tactics have weakened her standing as she enters a “lame duck” phase of her tenure.

Rubel highlighted that, after failing to get what she wanted during a regular session, Lujan Grisham called for a special session despite warnings from her own party’s leaders. This approach, he argued, showcased a lack of consensus and strategic missteps. 

“Lawmakers voted to wrap it up and go home as soon as they arrived,” Rubel wrote, underscoring the depth of her political miscalculation.

The op-ed also delved into broader public safety concerns, noting that while New Mexicans are desperate for crime solutions, Lujan Grisham’s confrontational stance risks alienating lawmakers. 

Rubel warned that her “maximum pressure campaign will only make legislators more reluctant to pass public safety legislation that is needed.” He called for a shift in focus to pressing issues like bail reform and protections against repeat offenders who are incompetent to stand trial.

Rubel concluded by criticizing the state’s lack of political competition, pointing out that many legislative seats were uncontested, with incumbents often coasting to re-election without opposition. 

As New Mexico approaches a critical 60-day session, he emphasized that the state’s ability to address key issues “is a lot easier to do with strong leadership from the governor’s office”—something he suggests Lujan Grisham now lacks.

Leftist pundit skewers Lujan Grisham over ‘embarrassing’ political flops Read More »

NM leftists fume over modest SNAP work requirement

25 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

For over a decade, New Mexico has operated under a federal waiver that has enabled able-bodied adults without children to continue receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, formerly known as food stamps, even if they are not employed. 

However, this provision is changing due to declining unemployment rates in certain parts of the state. As a result, individuals aged 18 to 54 who are single, have no dependents, and reside in Bernalillo, Santa Fe, Eddy, and Los Alamos counties, as well as within the San Ildefonso, Pojoaque, Santa Clara, and Laguna pueblos, will now need to demonstrate that they are working at least 80 hours per month to remain eligible for SNAP benefits.

This change reflects a broader effort to encourage workforce participation among individuals in their prime working years. According to data from the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC Report), New Mexico has persistently struggled with low workforce participation rates. By incentivizing able-bodied adults to engage in the workforce, even through a minimal requirement of 80 hours per month, the state aims to address broader socioeconomic issues, including poverty and underemployment.

Nevertheless, some leftist groups have opposed these new work requirements, arguing that they impose unnecessary hardships on vulnerable populations and fail to account for regional disparities in job availability. 

“It can have a hugely negative impact we know for a fact that it has no relationship helping families find new jobs. Taking away food assistance, if anything, make people’s lives more precarious and more difficult to find good work,” said Sovereign Hager, legal director of the leftist New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty.

The Rio Grande Foundation emphasizes that a modest work requirement for SNAP recipients is not an unreasonable expectation. Encouraging greater workforce engagement, especially for those without caregiving responsibilities, aligns with efforts to improve New Mexico’s economic landscape. 

As the Foundation and the LFC noted, boosting workforce participation rates among eligible individuals could significantly impact the state’s economic and social challenges. “It is simply outrageous that able-bodied working-age adults without children are not expected to work a mere 80 hours a month to receive SNAP benefits (regardless of where they live),” the Foundation states. Encouraging these individuals to seek employment not only reduces dependence on public assistance but also contributes to the overall productivity and economic health of New Mexico.

NM leftists fume over modest SNAP work requirement Read More »

Why NM’s crime crisis won’t end under ‘progressive’ rule

5 Comments / Opinion / By

Elections have consequences. Unfortunately, so-called “progressive” Democrats continue to hold a commanding majority in our state’s House of Representatives and Senate. Representation from both sides of the aisle and diversity of thought are pillars of a functioning and balanced government, but our reality in New Mexico is of one-party rule. This stranglehold on our institutions continues to halt progress and miss the mark when it comes to truly addressing our state’s out-of-control crime rate. 

Earlier this year, my fellow Senate Republicans collaborated across the aisle with Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham during her special legislative session to make strides in addressing public safety. Included were measures to expand criminal competency protocols and increase penalties for felons in possession of firearms, distributing fentanyl, and murdering law enforcement officers. We also introduced proposals to secure our open southern border, an issue New Mexicans and Americans at large support, in order to combat the cartel’s trafficking of drugs, humans, and contraband. An additional measure we introduced would have strengthened our state’s lackluster Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) statute in order to pursue organized criminal activity more effectively and expand the capabilities of prosecutors, specifically, expanding human trafficking sentencing. This measure, along with several of the aforementioned proposals were created with and supported by District Attorneys and law enforcement leaders from around the state and from both sides of the aisle. 

Unfortunately, as we all know, each and every one of these measures never saw the light of day. Progressive Democrat lawmakers killed the Governor’s Special Session focused on public safety, ending the session almost immediately and refusing to hear ANY legislation addressing crime and safety.

I attended this summer’s special legislative session to witness firsthand how our elected officials would address the crime epidemic my family experiences in Albuquerque every day. I was disappointed, to say the least. Make no mistake, as the only Republican Senator from Albuquerque, I will uphold my responsibility to work toward making our community a safer place for families to live and thrive. 

These proposed measures are commonsense and practical. They hold criminals accountable, deter criminal activity, and strengthen our law enforcement. The progressive wing of the Democrat party, which has immense influence and power in our state’s legislature, disagrees. They would rather stall these proposals and instead push an entirely different ideological agenda. It was recently announced that Senate Democrats plan to introduce a “crime package” that narrowly focuses on expanding behavioral health programs. This somehow will reduce the level of violence we see every day from juveniles, repeat offenders, and gangs in our state. 

While we as Republicans remain optimistic and plan to re-introduce several of these comprehensive solutions, progressive Democrat lawmakers will most likely reject each of these proposals and further miss the mark on addressing our crime crisis. As a result, New Mexico families would continue to suffer from our crime crisis in communities throughout our state. 

Elections have consequences. Our communities will not become safer under the continued leadership of radical progressives. We will fight in Santa Fe, but the real fight is on the ground with grassroots organizing in key communities to continue to expand the realignment of the Republican Party in New Mexico.

Nicole Toiassen is the senator-elect for New Mexico’s 21st state Senate District.

Why NM’s crime crisis won’t end under ‘progressive’ rule Read More »

WATCH: UFC champ Jon ‘Bones’ Jones, an ABQ resident, gives Trump title belt

6 Comments / New Mexico, News / By

Jon “Bones” Jones, who lives in Albuquerque, retained his UFC world heavyweight championship by defeating Stipe Miocic with a technical knockout Saturday night, then paid tribute to President-elect Donald Trump, who was seated ringside. Moments after ending the fight with a spinning back kick to Miocic’s ribs, Jones broke into Trump’s signature dance, thrilling a pro-Trump crowd at Madison Square Garden.

With the crowd roaring its approval, Jones pointed to Trump, who responded with a smile and a thumbs-up gesture. During his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, Jones expressed his gratitude, saying, “A big, big thank you to President Donald Trump for being here tonight,” igniting even louder cheers. Jones then led the crowd in a spirited “USA! USA!” chant, emphasizing, “I’m proud to be a great American champion. I’m proud to be a Christian American champion.”

Following the interview, Jones approached Trump, who was seated with a group that included Elon Musk, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, Kid Rock, Vivek Ramaswamy, and singer Jelly Roll. Jones presented Trump with his UFC title belt, a symbolic gesture that drew enthusiastic applause. Trump responded by inviting Jones to visit the White House when he assumes office as the 47th President of the United States.

While Jones hinted at the possibility of continuing his fighting career, Miocic, now 42, announced his retirement in a conversation with Rogan. Miocic leaves behind a Hall of Fame-worthy career as one of the most accomplished heavyweight fighters in UFC history. Jones, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters of all time, now boasts a record of 28-1 with one no contest.

Trump’s presence at Madison Square Garden marked a triumphant return following his recent electoral victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. The crowd erupted as he entered the arena with his star-studded entourage, prompting Rogan to remark, “If people at home could hear the sound in this room right now. It is so loud! It’s always loud when he comes in, but now that he’s won [the election], now that he’s the president again, oh my God!”

Throughout the evening, Trump witnessed numerous high-profile bouts, including a co-main event where Charles Oliveira defeated Michael Chandler by unanimous decision. Chandler, a Trump supporter, also exchanged words with the president-elect after his fight, adding to the night’s electric atmosphere.

WATCH: UFC champ Jon ‘Bones’ Jones, an ABQ resident, gives Trump title belt Read More »

NM House Dems, GOP elect new leadership ahead of upcoming session

7 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Saturday, House Republicans and House Democrats elected new leadership in their respective caucuses ahead of the 2025 Legislative Session, which begins on January 21st.

House Democrats again tapped Speaker Javier Martínez of Albuquerque as their nominee for the speakership, current Whip Reena Szczepanski of Santa Fe as their new majority floor leader, after Leader Gail Chasey of Albuquerque announced her retirement and did not seek reelection to the House.

Rep. Dayan “Day” Hochman Vigil of Albuquerque was chosen as the Democrats’ new whip, keeping Chairman Raymundo Lara of La Mesa as the caucus chair. 

On the Republican side, the House GOP tapped Rep. Gail Armstrong of Magdalena, the current caucus chair, to be the minority leader, following Rep. Rod Montoya of Farmington, who chose not to run for reelection to the position. Armstrong is the first female GOP New Mexico House leader in history.

Republicans chose to keep current Whip Alan Martinez of Bernalillo as the minority caucus whip, while former Rep. Rebecca Dow, who recently reclaimed her seat in the House after running for governor, has been restored as caucus chair after previously holding the position.

As the January 60-day legislative session rolls upon us, it is unclear what changes the new leadership will make, regarding decorum, strategy, or way of conducting business in the House.

With both sides elevating relatively new legislators to many of the leadership positions, it remains to be seen if the chamber will continue in its same trajectory, which — at least for the Democrat majority — has veered further and further to the extreme left. 

NM House Dems, GOP elect new leadership ahead of upcoming session Read More »

State House Speaker Martínez claims NM is ‘Trump-proof’ — Is it?

29 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

With President-elect Donald Trump set to re-enter the Oval Office in January, New Mexico’s Democrat political establishment is gearing up for what many expect to be a contentious clash over policies. According to WalletHub, the state is the second-most federally reliant state, behind only Alaska. 

Unlike California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has called a special legislative session to strengthen state protections against federal policy rollbacks in fear of the incoming Trump administration, New Mexico’s Democrat House Speaker Javier Martínez has dismissed the need for any “showboating,” which could benefit conservatives worried over the state taking yet another far-left, aggressive turn. In a recent interview with KUNM, Martínez proclaimed the state already “Trump-proof.”

Martínez’s Posturing vs. Policy Reality

Martínez, known for his far-left stance, has quickly positioned himself as a vocal critic of Trump’s anticipated agenda. Yet, critics argue that the House Speaker’s rhetoric masks a deeper lack of preparedness and policy vulnerability. While Martínez asserts that New Mexico’s existing statutes protect key issues such as abortion access and climate initiatives, skeptics question whether those measures will hold against a resurgent federal administration committed to rolling back progressive policies.

Bold Claims vs. Practical Challenges

During his KUNM interview, Martínez took swipes at Newsom’s special legislative session, suggesting it was more about presidential ambitions than policy substance. “Gavin Newsom is running for president…so he can showboat all he wants,” Martínez remarked, attempting to contrast his own “pragmatic” approach to governance. 

Abortion and the Border

Despite his assurances, Martínez’s stance on abortion up-to-birth policies remains a flashpoint. New Mexico’s abortion policies that allow on-demand abortion for any reason at any time in pregnancy, while permitted in statute, are not enshrined in the state constitution. Martínez brushed off concerns about bolstering constitutional protections, stating, “I think we’re good.” 

Further, while Martínez maintains that New Mexico does not coordinate with federal immigration authorities, the absence of a “sanctuary state” law allows federal officials to help alleviate the border crisis by carrying out mass deportations against criminal aliens residing on New Mexico soil. 

Trump-Proof?

In discussing potential threats to state-funded programs under the Democrats’ partisan “Inflation Reduction Act,” Martínez claims that New Mexico’s Legislature would seek to protect jobs and investments tied to federal funds. While Martínez makes grand declarations, it remains to be seen whether he can back them up with real policy action. If the state refuses to comply with the federal administration, the state could lose out on billions of dollars. 

USAFacts notes that in Fiscal Year 2021, New Mexico received $14.3 billion in federal aid. On a per-resident basis, New Mexico received approximately $6,748 in federal funding, meaning the state is extremely reliant on the federal government — and attacking the incoming administration will not serve the state’s Democrat leaders well. With a fully Republican Congress, it appears to be the worst-case scenario for New Mexico leaders, such as Martínez, to attack Trump, his administration, and the GOP leaders in Congress.

WalletHub notes, “New Mexico is the second-most federally dependent state, in large part because it receives a huge amount of federal funding compared to the taxes that residents pay. For every $1 paid in taxes, New Mexico gets $3.26 in federal funding. Around half of the other states get less than $1 in federal funding for every tax dollar.”

The outlet adds, “Federal funding makes up a large share of New Mexico’s revenue as well, at around 47%, and more than 3.5% of the Land of Enchantment’s workforce is employed by the federal government. Both of these rates are among the highest in the country, proving that New Mexico’s economy owes a lot to the federal government.”

New Mexico’s Path Forward

As the incoming Trump administration readies its agenda, New Mexico stands at a critical juncture. Martínez’s proclamation of a “Trump-proof” state may serve as a rallying cry for far-left legislators and Democrat Party loyalists, but it appears to be an empty boast, throwing red meat at his politically leftist base. 

State House Speaker Martínez claims NM is ‘Trump-proof’ — Is it? Read More »

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. ‘takes MLG’s dream job’

21 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a surprising turn of events, President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), a position that New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham had previously aspired to under the Biden administration. 

Rio Grande Foundation chief Paul Gessing wrote on X, “RFK takes MLG’s dream job.”

This development underscores the shifting dynamics in U.S. health policy leadership and highlights the political recalibrations following the recent presidential election to a shift away from the status quo of Washington elites.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an environmental lawyer and prominent vaccine skeptic, has been a controversial figure in public health discussions. His nomination to lead HHS has elicited mixed reactions. Supporters commend his advocacy for transparency and reform in health agencies, while critics express concern over his stance on vaccines and public health measures. 

Kennedy’s appointment aligns with President-elect Trump’s inclination to include unconventional figures in his administration, reflecting a broader strategy to challenge established norms in health policy.

Far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham had been considered a leading candidate for the HHS secretary role during Joe Biden’s transition in 2020, for which she extensively lobbied. Her sordid background includes serving as New Mexico’s health secretary and tenure in Congress, along with her dealings in New Mexico’s shady high-risk insurance pool, of which she profited handsomely. 

Despite her active role as a surrogate for Biden on the campaign trail, Lujan Grisham was not selected for the position in the Biden administration.

The recent election, in which President-elect Trump secured 312 electoral votes, has crushed all likelihood of Lujan Grisham attaining the HHS secretary position. 

Her close association with the Harris campaign and her alignment with far-left Democrat health policies, such as abortion up-to-birth, contrast sharply with the incoming administration’s direction, which is independent of the establishment. This political shift underscores the challenges Democratic leaders face in securing key federal positions under Trump’s conservative administration.

The nomination of Kennedy over Lujan Grisham highlights the divergent health policy philosophies between the two administrations. While Lujan Grisham has advocated for on-demand abortions and “Medicare for All,” Kennedy’s views on vaccines and health agency reforms suggest a potential departure from traditional public health strategies. 

As the Senate prepares for confirmation hearings, Kennedy’s nomination doesn’t appear to have received as much pushback as other nominees, such as Trump’s choice for attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida. His previous statements and positions on public health issues will likely be central to the discussions, influencing the confirmation process. 

However, the one thing that is clear is that Lujan Grisham won’t get anywhere near the federal administration of a Democrat president and certainly nowhere near the Department of Health and Human Services.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. ‘takes MLG’s dream job’ Read More »

Human skulls and a 2019 disappearance: The chilling Jal, NM case

2 Comments / New Mexico, News / By

Authorities in Lea County, New Mexico, are investigating a chilling discovery of human remains near the town of Jal, with evidence that could potentially link the remains to a missing persons case dating back to 2019. The investigation began on November 5, when a local resident contacted the Lea County Sheriff’s Office after an unusual and unsettling experience.

The resident had given a ride to a man who allegedly made “alarming statements” and, during the ride, discarded items from the vehicle — some of which appeared to be human bones.

Following this encounter, deputies conducted a search around the man’s location and a nearby convenience store, uncovering fragments later confirmed by a pathologist to be human remains. The investigation intensified when officials discovered the man had been staying on a property rumored to be associated with human remains. After searching this property the following day, authorities found additional bone fragments.

The case took an even more disturbing turn on Saturday, November 9, when another search revealed evidence pointing to “10–20 human skulls.” While initial reports suggested the presence of intact skulls, officials clarified that they had found fragmented skull bones, which could represent remains from approximately 10 to 20 people.

According to KOB News, an NBC affiliate in Albuquerque, the bone fragments are being analyzed to help with identification and to determine whether there is a connection to any known missing persons cases.

Sheriff Corey Helton noted that investigators are focusing on a potential link to Angela McManes, who vanished in 2019 and was last known to live near the property currently under investigation. “Authorities are working diligently to determine the connection between the remains and McManes, as well as other possible victims,” the Sheriff’s Office stated. Sheriff Helton reassured the public, stating, “I know our viewers are concerned, but I can tell you, we don’t have a serial killer walking around.”

While no charges have been filed yet in connection to the remains, the man is currently being held in jail on an unrelated charge. According to reports from KOB, the man claimed that someone had purchased the skulls from an online source, and officials are now working with an anthropologist to verify this claim. The investigation remains active, and authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to contact the Lea County Sheriff’s Office.

Human skulls and a 2019 disappearance: The chilling Jal, NM case Read More »

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