Renato Costa

Abortion trafficking banned in county bordering New Mexico

8 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a groundbreaking decision, a Texas county along the New Mexico border has taken a bold stand by outlawing abortion and abortion trafficking. The move has sparked heated debates and drawn attention from both supporters and critics.

Cochran County’s decision, aimed at protecting the sanctity of life and family values, is already making waves. Local authorities argue that it aligns with their commitment to uphold traditional principles, echoing the sentiments of one official who emphasized, “We believe in safeguarding the rights of the unborn.”

Pro-abortion extremists claim the move violates “reproductive” rights despite abortions ending the reproductive process. 

As the nation watches, the Texas-New Mexico border county has become a focal point in the ongoing battle over abortion. The ban not only covers abortion procedures but also includes measures against abortion trafficking, adding a layer of complexity to the debate.

Proponents hail this as a bold step towards preserving conservative values, while opponents view it as a potential powder keg for legal challenges. The county’s decision is expected to fuel the already intense national conversation on reproductive rights and may set a precedent for similar measures in other regions.

In March, far-left New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed a law prohibiting local municipalities from “denying, restricting, or discriminating against an individual’s right to use or refuse reproductive health care.”

“Dickson pointed out that Roosevelt and [Lea] counties in New Mexico, which abut Cochran County, have taken the measures they can to ‘push back against the abortion industry,’” The Texan reported. 

The Texas county has marked a pivotal step in the fight for the right to life, and the move will likely save babies’ lives by halting abortion trafficking into New Mexico, which is an abortion up-to-birth state, per a far-left law passed in 2021 that garnered bipartisan opposition.

As Gov. MLG signs abortion up-to-birth and infanticide bill, she decries ‘dehumanization’

Abortion trafficking banned in county bordering New Mexico Read More »

NM Supreme Court orders governor’s response to GOP’s lawsuit

34 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Tuesday, the New Mexico Supreme Court, which is comprised of mostly appointees of Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, ordered the governor to respond to a lawsuit lodged against her by all Republican members of the state Legislature, the Republican Party of New Mexico, National Rifle Association, among others, relating to her emergency powers.

The lawsuit came following Lujan Grisham’s unconstitutional order saying that she was “suspending” all Bernalillo County residents’ constitutional rights by banning them from open or concealed carrying for 30 days under the guise of a “public health emergency.” During the announcement, the governor claimed that no rights are “absolute” and that her oath of office isn’t absolute either. 

The Court wrote in the order, “WHEREAS, this matter came on for consideration upon the Court’s own motion to request a response to the verified petition for extraordinary writ and request for stay, and the Court being sufficiently advised, Chief Justice C. Shannon Bacon, Justice Michael E. Vigil, Justice David K. Thomson, Justice Julie J. Vargas, and Justice Briana H. Zamora concurring … that a response shall be timely if filed on or before October 16, 2023.” 

Since the lawsuit challenges the governor’s executive authority, the response time appears to be a chance to give her as much time as possible to formulate a defense of flagrantly abusing her powers. 

“We are thankful for the resounding support we have received throughout New Mexico as we are standing up and defending our American freedoms,” said House Minority Leader Ryan Lane (R-Aztec), announcing the lawsuit earlier this month. 

“We are filing in the New Mexico Supreme Court to continue the fight to defend our constitutional rights. We cannot allow one political stunt to undermine a document that guarantees our rights and has been a beacon of hope for so many globally. We are confident that our State Supreme Court will expedite this request and make certain our fundamental freedoms still hold strong and are upheld.”

He added, “From day one, we have made it clear that action on crime should be taken up with the Legislature and not played out on national media under a stunt that was destined to fail. We will continue to push the practical and commonsense crime reforms that we know will work in New Mexico to help save lives. We look forward to robust debate on our legislation, instead of the silencing of these topics, as now the world is watching how we solve the crime problems plaguing our communities.”

Senate Minority Leader Greg Baca (R-Belen) wrote, “Our fight is not over,” adding, “We intend to ensure that the temporary restraining order becomes permanent injunctive relief. We will not let up the pressure until we ensure no New Mexican is subjected to the removal of their rights through executive order ever again.”

NM Supreme Court orders governor’s response to GOP’s lawsuit Read More »

Edgewood’s battle for pro-life ordinance takes unusual turn

6 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Edgewood voters will not vote on a pro-life ordinance in November. The petition-driven initiative to overturn the ordinance by extremist pro-abortion activists, which the town commission approved in April, will not appear on the local election ballot, as anticipated.

Santa Fe County Clerk Katharine Clark informed Edgewood’s town manager, Nina McCracken, in a brief letter earlier this month that her office regards the issue as a non-binding “advisory question,” rendering it ineligible for the November 7 ballot.

McCracken clarified that the ordinance is temporarily on hold due to the petition. She explained, “The next election at which the ordinance can be considered would be in February if the commission calls for a special election.” McCracken emphasized the town’s commitment to supporting the voice of the people.

According to the Secretary of State’s Office, this decision aligns with the direction given by the Secretary of State, as the issue is categorized as an advisory question, making it unsuitable for the ballot, claiming it has no legal weight.

Notably, no local abortion-related ordinances will appear on any New Mexico ballots. Instead, the ongoing dispute between some local governments and the state over the provision of abortion services will be settled in the courtroom this December.

The state Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on December 13 in a case that seeks to determine the impact of a recent law that codified a woman’s right to reproductive health services, including abortion, on local municipalities that pass ordinances contrary to this law.

The case is between New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez’s office and the counties of Lea and Roosevelt, as well as the cities of Hobbs and Clovis, which have passed pro-life ordinances despite the state law legalizing abortion.

At this point, Edgewood is not directly involved in this legal battle. Solicitor General Aletheia Allen from Torrez’s office suggested that all parties are waiting to see the outcome of the Supreme Court’s ruling before initiating any legal action regarding the Edgewood issue.

The Edgewood ordinance, approved by the commission in April, aims to ban access to abortion pills and enables individuals to file lawsuits against those who violate this prohibition, subjecting the defendant to a minimum fine of $100,000. The ordinance is based on the federal Comstock Act, not state or local statutes.

While the issue may not be on the November ballot, it remains a topic of considerable significance in the ongoing debate surrounding abortion and local governance.

Dem legislator threatened Edgewood funding over pro-life ordinance

Edgewood’s battle for pro-life ordinance takes unusual turn Read More »

New poll delivers devastating news for gun-grabbing Gov. Lujan Grisham

32 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A recent statewide survey commissioned by the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association (NMSSA) has shed light on the sentiments of New Mexico voters regarding public safety measures. The data overwhelmingly suggests that most voters in the state believe that the key to ensuring safety for their families is addressing crime and incarcerating criminals rather than implementing unconstitutional gun bans.

Ryan Munce, President of co/efficient, a national public opinion research firm, emphasized the findings of the survey, stating, “Our statewide survey affirms that most New Mexico voters believe their community is less safe due to Democrat Gov. Lujan Grisham’s ban on law-abiding citizens carrying firearms. There is broad agreement that violent criminals will still have guns and will still commit crimes.”

A striking 68 percent of New Mexico voters expressed their opposition to Gov. Lujan Grisham’s order that prohibits law-abiding citizens from openly and concealed carrying firearms in Albuquerque. Moreover, 89 percent of voters firmly believe that criminals will ignore this ban.

Munce highlighted the consensus among New Mexicans, noting, “To keep their families safe, New Mexicans agree that politicians and law enforcement should focus on putting violent criminals in prison instead of disarming law-abiding citizens in public.”

The survey also revealed that an overwhelming 83 percent of respondents consider a “crackdown on crime,” which includes “putting criminals behind bars,” to be the most effective approach to protecting families and loved ones from harm. This perspective underscores the belief that it is the actions of criminals, rather than inanimate objects, that are primarily responsible for crime. The governor has refused to call a special session to address crime, despite the crisis ravaging New Mexico streets.

Conducted between September 14 and September 18, 2023, the survey included 1,367 likely general election voters and employed a combination of mobile text responses and landline phone interviews. The survey’s demographic composition was designed to mirror the age, gender, education level, race, geography, and party affiliation of the true voting population, yielding a margin of error of 3.21 percent.

According to FiveThirtyEight’s pollster ratings system, co/efficient has a B+ rating, with its polls favoring Republicans by 2.3 percentage points. Regardless of this fact, that means 65.7 percent of respondents still massively oppose the governor’s anti-gun edict.

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New poll delivers devastating news for gun-grabbing Gov. Lujan Grisham Read More »

Thief snatches beloved Virgin Mary statue from ABQ church

6 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In an act of pure evil that has left hundreds of parishioners heartbroken, a beloved decades-old statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary has vanished from St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The theft of this cherished five-foot statue, which had warmly greeted churchgoers for years, occurred back in August. It was reported when a church member witnessed a vehicle performing donuts in the church’s parking lot.

Now, all that remains in place of the statue is a simple wire outline, a poignant reminder of its absence. The church promptly filed a police report in the hope of recovering the stolen statue, but the initial response from law enforcement offered limited prospects for its return, according to KRQE News 13.

St. Anne’s Associate Pastor Benjamin Maes expressed the church’s frustration, saying, “The police came, and there was a report filed at that time; there was really nothing they could do, they said, but to ask around and to ask our community.” However, the incident did lead to an increased police presence in the area.

The statue of the Virgin Mary held great sentimental value for the congregation and was created by artist Felix Pedroncelli in 1999, fashioned from metal and fiber cement. It had graced the church’s front steps since its creation. Pedroncelli, who had earlier crafted a similar smaller statue for another part of the church, is deeply saddened by the theft but has pledged to create a new statue if the church requires one.

Pedroncelli shared his sentiments, saying, “Whatever I make, I donate them to people; It’s just my joy seeing somebody happy.” He hopes that the stolen statue can be returned, sparing him from having to create a new one. However, if it has been damaged or destroyed, he stands ready to repair and reinstall it for the church and its faithful congregation.

This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the challenges facing communities, including instances of theft and vandalism, and underscores the need for vigilance and community support. Albuquerque, in particular, has faced high crime rates under Democrat city and state leadership, with concerns about public safety remaining at the forefront of local discussions.

Recent unconstitutional actions by anti-gun Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to disarm Bernalillo County citizens were struck down this week by a Joe Biden-appointed federal judge, but the governor reinstated the order for parks and many public places in direct defiance of the temporary restraining order granted by the judge. 

Thief snatches beloved Virgin Mary statue from ABQ church Read More »

NM Gas Co. rate hike request to PRC revealed

2 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The New Mexico Gas Company (NMGC) has submitted an application to raise customer rates, citing inflation and escalating operational expenses across various sectors, according to KRQE 13 News.

If approved, this rate adjustment would lead to an approximate monthly increase of $6.70 for residential customers beginning in October 2024. This represents an approximately 11% rise compared to current residential billing rates.

The NMGC has justified this request by pointing to the need to cover expenses associated with maintaining a skilled workforce and complying with expanding regulatory mandates.

The gas company is seeking additional revenues totaling $49 million, which they plan to allocate toward essential infrastructure and system upgrades. These improvements are crucial to ensuring the continued provision of safe and dependable natural gas services to the people of New Mexico.

The proposal will undergo a thorough evaluation by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission over the coming months, with a final decision expected in late summer 2024. NMGC recognizes the challenges associated with a rate increase but emphasizes its necessity for fulfilling its commitment to delivering reliable natural gas services to the residents of New Mexico.

It’s worth noting that NMGC had already implemented a rate increase in January, resulting in an approximate monthly uptick of $2.70 for customers. This latest request underscores the company’s dedication to maintaining the quality and safety of its services in the face of rising costs and evolving regulatory demands.

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NM Gas Co. rate hike request to PRC revealed Read More »

Judge swiftly smacks down MLG’s unconstitutional gun ban

19 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Wednesday, far-left Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s anti-gun order on Bernalillo County residents was swiftly smacked down by a federal judge.

U.S. District Judge David Urias issued this ruling on Wednesday, which represents a setback for Democrat Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s efforts to address a series of recent shootings, including the tragic death of an 11-year-old boy leaving a minor league baseball game in Albuquerque.

The far-left governor issued an emergency public health order last Friday, suspending the right to openly or concealed carry firearms in public areas, a measure rooted in a specific threshold of violent crime statistics primarily observed in Albuquerque and its surrounding areas. The governor cited recent incidents of shootings across the state, particularly those involving the loss of young lives, as the impetus for this action. Nevertheless, she acknowledged that criminals might disregard the order.

Those found in violation of this order could have faced civil penalties and fines of up to $5,000, enforced by the New Mexico State Police. However, the local sheriff and Albuquerque’s police chief had chosen not to enforce the order.

Advocates for gun rights launched a barrage of legal challenges against the order in the U.S. District Court in Albuquerque, alleging that it infringed upon their civil rights protected by the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

In response to these developments, Republican lawmakers have called for impeachment proceedings against the governor. This marks another instance of Governor Lujan Grisham testing the boundaries of her executive authority, reminiscent of her prior use of public health orders to implement stringent lockdown measures during the initial stages of the COVID pandemic.

Democrat state Sen. Joseph Cervantes of Las Cruces, the chairman of the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee, responded, “Federal Judge Urias predictably enters a restraining order precluding recognition of the Governor’s gun ban. Senate Judiciary has recognized even well intended gun laws must comply with the constitution to serve any purpose; and has dealt with those efforts accordingly.”

Judge swiftly smacks down MLG’s unconstitutional gun ban Read More »

The ACLU turns on Lujan Grisham, rips her new anti-gun order

26 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

You know it’s bad for far-left anti-gun Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham when the farthest left organization around — the American Civil Liberties Union — turns on her and bashes her unconstitutional public health order banning guns in Bernalillo County.

The group wrote in a press release, “The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico raised concerns today that Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s use of emergency powers could lead to overzealous policing and senseless incarceration.”

ACLU of New Mexico Litigation Manager Lalita Moskowitz issued the following statement:

“The ACLU of New Mexico is heartbroken over the recent death of a child and shares the governor’s concern for the well-being of our community. However, we are equally concerned that her solution to the complicated problems of substance abuse, addiction, and gun violence is to pour more resources into law enforcement.  

Historically, this kind of approach leads to the over policing of our communities, racial profiling, and increased misery in the lives of already marginalized people. Instead, the governor should be following evidence-based solutions such as me​​aningful diversion and violence intervention programs and addressing the root causes of violence. The order also raises legitimate and pressing concerns about New Mexicans’ privacy. 

We are closely monitoring the legal challenges to this executive order, recognizing that many people in our state are focused on the section related to firearms. However, we are deeply concerned about other parts of the order, including the governor’s decision to suspend a program that helps children avoid juvenile prison. We know that incarceration during childhood increases the likelihood that someone will end up in the adult criminal system. Ending a program that helps young people find a different path is counterproductive to public safety.  

While we acknowledge the severity of the fentanyl crisis, we oppose any actions that risk further criminalizing our youth or individuals struggling with addiction. 

ACLU-NM stands in support of initiatives that prioritize treatment and improve access to services to facilitate recovery. We know these approaches are far more effective than criminalization or incarceration.  

Our organization remains committed to advocating for policies that safeguard the civil liberties and rights of all citizens, while simultaneously addressing public health crises through compassionate, evidence-based strategies.”

Earlier Tuesday, state Sen. Joseph Cervantes (D-Doña Ana County) called for the governor to rescind her order, blasting its unconstitutionality. So far, no elected Democrat in New Mexico has come out supporting Gov. Lujan Grisham’s order.

The ACLU turns on Lujan Grisham, rips her new anti-gun order Read More »

As impending impeachment looms over MLG, she gets unlikely far-left foe

101 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Friday, far-left anti-gun Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham opened up likely the biggest can of worms in her entire tenure as governor with the most brazenly unconstitutional move yet — banning all open or concealed carry for anyone in Bernalillo County — claiming their constitutional rights are now “suspended” due to a “public health emergency” she just declared via executive order.

Social media and the news exploded with outraged comments coming from all sides. State Reps. Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park) and John Block (R-Alamogordo) called for the governor’s impeachment over her crimes against the Constitution and her oath of office, which she described as not “absolute.” 

The state House Republicans announced their own lawsuit against the governor, writing in a press release that they “will file a federal lawsuit alongside the NM Senate Republicans challenging the unconstitutional gun ban enacted by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.”

 “The outrage from New Mexicans and Americans across the country reveals how precious our rights are, and we will not back down from defending and fighting for what makes the United States of America a unique experiment. This country and our state were founded on principles of freedom and democracy, and one political figure will not erase our shared history,” said GOP House Leader Ryan Lane (R-Aztec). 

Elon Musk even called for the far-left governor’s removal.

Then the most unlikely voice came out against her — extreme far-left U.S. Rep. Ted Lieu (R-California) — who said, “I support gun safety laws. However, this order from the Governor of New Mexico violates the U.S. Constitution. No state in the union can suspend the federal Constitution. There is no such thing as a state public health emergency exception to the U.S. Constitution.”

Lieu served alongside Lujan Grisham while she was a congresswoman from New Mexico’s First District from 2013 to 2019. She served with the California Democrat from 2015 until her inauguration as New Mexico governor.
To make matters worse for the governor, Democrat Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller and Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen have refused to enforce the unconstitutional order, saying he has extreme “reservations” regarding its constitutionality.

As impending impeachment looms over MLG, she gets unlikely far-left foe Read More »

Lujan Grisham declares ‘gun violence’ emergency, uses $750K for gun grabs

37 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Far-left anti-gun Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a public health emergency in New Mexico, cloaking it in the tragic murder of an 11-year-old boy on his way home from a baseball game. 

“The time for standard measures has passed,” she wrote. “Today, I am declaring gun violence a public health emergency in New Mexico.” Gov. Lujan Grisham emphasized what she perceived as the need for additional action to combat the escalating gun violence.

“I want to know that local officials are giving the epidemic of gun violence the attention it deserves. I want to know that every parent is making sure their guns are locked up. I want to know that district attorneys and judges are using every tool at their disposal to hold bad actors accountable. I want to know that every gun store is not allowing straw purchases. I want to know that every law enforcement agency is using our red flag law,” she added in the long-winded statement.

The governor called on citizens to demand change from their communities, friends, and elected leaders, urging them to get involved and speak out against “gun violence.” She pledged to provide more details on this public health emergency in collaboration with law enforcement and criminal justice leadership.

Governor Lujan Grisham has scheduled a meeting to determine immediate actions to snatch guns in New Mexico communities. She also made a plea to Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, urging them to take swift action to combat the illegal flow of drugs and guns into the state and provide additional federal resources. She even claimed she “begged” Garland for additional federal agents. 

The governor noted that the executive order “provides $750,000 to state agencies for the purposes of quickly reducing gun violence and encourages mayors, sheriffs and other officials… request additional emergency funding from the state as well.”

Lujan Grisham has been actively seeking federal assistance since June 2022, and she claims she recently sent her fourth letter to the U.S. Department of Justice, emphasizing the urgent need for immediate resources to combat violent crime in New Mexico.

The executive order and accompanying press release were light on solutions to help with New Mexico’s mental health crisis.

Lujan Grisham declares ‘gun violence’ emergency, uses $750K for gun grabs Read More »

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