New Mexico

DOGE panel: Chaos erupts as Stansbury shouts over Greene in wild trans tirade

33 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a chaotic display of political theater, Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), the ranking member of the DOGE Subcommittee, was gavelled down by Chairwoman Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) after launching into a rambling tirade defending extremist transgender ideology during a congressional hearing Wednesday.

The hearing, meant to investigate alarming instances of government waste, fraud, and abuse—including how taxpayer dollars are funneled through radical gender ideology programs—was repeatedly hijacked by Democrats attempting to derail the proceedings with irrelevant political grandstanding.

“And with that, I recognize Ms. Stansbury to defend all the trans,” Greene said dryly, setting the stage for what turned into a bizarre and embarrassing spectacle. Before Stansbury could begin, Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) interrupted with a failed point of order, accusing Greene of improperly running the committee—a tactic that ultimately fell flat as Greene overruled it.

But what followed was even more absurd. Stansbury, seemingly uninterested in discussing the actual topic of government mismanagement, launched into a nearly five-minute rant accusing Republicans of “bullying trans kids” and bizarrely suggesting that the committee had been created to “do Elon Musk’s bidding.”

“This is not an oversight hearing,” Stansbury declared dismissively. “They’re bullying trans kids. They’re talking about things that have absolutely nothing to do with government oversight.”

As witnesses—including women’s rights activists—testified about the devastating impacts of biological males competing in women’s sports, Stansbury tried to reframe the hearing as an attack on “transgender” individuals, ignoring the real victims: the women and girls injured and sidelined by unfair competition.

When her allotted time expired, Greene politely reminded her: “The gentle lady’s time has expired.” But Stansbury refused to yield, continuing to shout over the chair and attempting to pose further questions to Fatima Goss Graves of the far-left National Women’s Law Center, who was there defending transgender inclusion in women’s spaces.

“You took a minute of my time, wasting my time on a non-point of order. The gentle lady’s time has expired,” Greene reiterated firmly, as Stansbury ignored the gavel and continued grandstanding. “We stand with the LGBTQ+ community, and you can gavel me until the cows come home and it won’t stop it!” she yelled, as Greene had to repeatedly pound the gavel to restore order.

The embarrassing episode exposed the dangerous lengths far-left politicians like Stansbury are willing to go to defend radical gender ideology—even at the expense of women’s safety and fairness. While the committee was focused on exposing how public funds are misused under the guise of “diversity and inclusion,” Stansbury treated the hearing as a stage for partisan theatrics, trivializing the concerns of women injured in sports and the taxpayers footing the bill.

As the hearing continued, Democrats persisted in their efforts to distract and delay, but Greene remained steadfast, ensuring witnesses could testify about how taxpayer dollars are being weaponized to promote extremist ideologies at the expense of everyday Americans.

For Rep. Stansbury, however, the day ended not with a legislative victory, but with an embarrassing spectacle—and the unmistakable sound of the chairman’s gavel silencing her failed political stunt.

DOGE panel: Chaos erupts as Stansbury shouts over Greene in wild trans tirade Read More »

Bondi touts ‘weapon of mass destruction’ seized in NM as record US drug bust

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Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Tuesday, standing alongside U.S. Attorney for New Mexico Ryan Ellison, that law enforcement has achieved one of the largest fentanyl seizures ever recorded in the United States, uncovering 409 kilograms of fentanyl pills and an additional 11.5 kilograms of fentanyl powder.

Alongside the fentanyl, authorities also confiscated 35 kilograms of methamphetamine, 7.5 kilograms of cocaine, 4.5 kilograms of heroin, $5 million in cash, and 49 firearms—including rifles and pistols. Sixteen individuals, including three women, were arrested in connection with the operation. Bondi noted that six of the male suspects are in the country illegally.

The alleged leader of the trafficking network, identified as Alberto Salazar Amaya, is reportedly a high-ranking operative of the notorious Sinaloa Cartel. According to Bondi, Amaya had been residing in Salem, Oregon, while orchestrating drug distribution across Albuquerque, New Mexico; Phoenix, Arizona; and several areas in Utah.

“We’re very proud to announce today a historic Sinaloa Cartel arrest, and it marks the most significant victory in our nation’s fight against fentanyl and drug trafficking to date,” Bondi declared during a press conference in Washington, D.C. “This multi-agency operation, led by the DEA alongside our local, state, tribal, and federal partners, targeted one of the largest and most dangerous drug trafficking and foreign terrorist organizations in our country.”

Bondi highlighted the sheer magnitude of the bust, noting that the DEA seized approximately 3 million fentanyl pills—describing it as “the largest seizure in our nation’s history.” She explained that the pills had been pressed to resemble oxycodone tablets and were found in various dosages.

Visuals at the press conference included posters displaying the seized firearms and mugshots of the defendants. Bondi commended the DEA agents involved, emphasizing the risks they face daily in the effort to dismantle drug trafficking networks.

She described fentanyl as a “weapon of mass destruction” and issued a stark warning to drug dealers: “When we catch you like all of these individuals, if convicted, we will put you behind bars. There will be no negotiating, and we will lock you up for as long as humanly possible,” she said. “We will not negotiate with those who are killing our family members, including brothers, sisters, daughters, sons, parents, friends, everyone in this room.”

Bondi also made it clear she has no plans to deport the undocumented suspects. “The amount of drugs, the amount of money, the amount of weapons most of these individuals [had], if convicted, will remain in American prisons. Perhaps Alcatraz,” she added.

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New Mexico border agents nab Cuban killer with shocking criminal past

10 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Border Patrol agents at an interior immigration checkpoint in New Mexico recently arrested a Cuban national with what officials described as a “disturbing criminal history,” once again exposing the dangers posed by lax border security and failed open-border policies. According to a report shared by Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks, the individual had a long and violent rap sheet, underscoring the urgent need for stronger enforcement and tighter immigration controls.

The arrest occurred on April 29, when New Mexico agents intercepted the Cuban criminal alien, who had entered the country illegally. What began as a routine stop quickly turned into something far more alarming. “During a records check, the agents discovered an extensive criminal history and took the man into custody,” Banks reported.

The individual was apprehended under 8 USC 1253, a federal law that applies to non-citizens who have already been ordered removed from the United States. Shockingly, a deeper background investigation revealed that this migrant’s criminal history wasn’t just extensive—it was horrifying. According to Banks, the man had prior convictions for:

  • Murder
  • Negligent Homicide
  • Shooting from a Motor Vehicle
  • Tampering with Evidence
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance
  • Carrying a Prohibited Weapon

Banks highlighted the importance of interior checkpoints, stating, “This case underscores the critical role interior checkpoints play in protecting our communities.” Indeed, this arrest raises the glaring question: how many more like him are slipping through the cracks under current policies?

The same day, Border Patrol agents near San Luis, Arizona, made another high-profile arrest—a “recently deported high-ranking member” of the violent Paisas prison gang. This gang member had been deported just two weeks earlier after serving over five years in prison for auto theft but was already attempting to sneak back into the country, illustrating just how ineffective current deportation and re-entry prevention measures have become.

It’s worth noting that illegal re-entry after deportation is a serious federal offense, punishable by up to 20 years in prison—yet criminals continue to defy these penalties. “Border Patrol agents stay vigilant on the frontlines to detect and apprehend these criminals that try to sneak into our country,” Banks stated.

These arrests expose a troubling reality: the U.S. is facing a relentless tide of criminal aliens emboldened by weak enforcement and a political climate that too often prioritizes open-border ideology over the safety of American citizens. Incidents like these are not isolated; they are symptomatic of a system that is failing to secure the border and protect communities from dangerous individuals.

While frontline agents continue to do heroic work intercepting criminals, without meaningful policy change and genuine commitment to border security, Americans will remain vulnerable. These cases serve as urgent reminders that the cost of inaction isn’t just theoretical—it’s a clear and present danger to public safety.

New Mexico border agents nab Cuban killer with shocking criminal past Read More »

MLG dumps millions on Breaking Bad-themed anti-litter campaign: Report

14 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s $3.6 million “Breaking Bad Habits” anti-littering campaign, featuring actor Bryan Cranston, has garnered attention for its creative approach to a persistent issue in New Mexico. 

According to the Santa Fe New Mexican:

More than $2.4 million in media buys, from bus wraps and billboards to commercials on TV and various social media platforms, accounts for the bulk of the highly visible campaign. The campaign started with a total budget of $3 million, but an additional $640,000 was spent on more media buys.

Invoices and other documents obtained under a public records request show a $20,000 contract “furnishing the services of Bryan Cranston.” During a meet-and-greet with Cranston at the governor’s mansion, also in October, Cranston said he volunteered to appear in the campaign but explained “must be paid through [his] union” whenever he’s on camera. At the time, Cranston said he had donated the money to two “New Mexico-centric charities.”

While the campaign has reportedly led to over 100 cleanup events and the collection of thousands of trash bags statewide, critics question the substantial expenditure on marketing and celebrity involvement, especially when juxtaposed with other pressing needs in the state.

This initiative is part of a broader pattern of spending decisions by the governor that have raised eyebrows. In 2020, Lujan Grisham spent nearly $13,500 from a taxpayer-funded expense account on items including groceries, alcohol, and dry cleaning. Notably, over $6,500 was allocated for groceries and alcohol, with purchases such as Wagyu beef and high-end liquor. The governor later expressed regret over these expenditures, acknowledging that “more was purchased than what was necessary.” 

A recent report showed that she just recently spent an additional $96,000 on lavish expenditures —all funded by taxpayers. 

Further scrutiny arose when it was revealed that the governor’s office used state funds to cover costs for a political event at the governor’s mansion in October 2022. Although the campaign reimbursed the state $1,837 for the expenses, the incident highlighted concerns about the use of public funds for political purposes .

Additionally, an audit by the Office of the State Auditor found that the New Mexico Environment Department, under the governor’s administration, spent over $29,000 on business-class flights to Australia for a summit, a 600% increase from the initial cost estimates. The auditor deemed this a “clear case of waste of public resources.”

These instances, among others, have led to growing concerns about fiscal responsibility and the prioritization of state funds. While initiatives like the anti-littering campaign aim to address genuine issues, the associated costs and the pattern of questionable expenditures suggest a need for greater transparency and accountability in the governor’s spending decisions.

MLG dumps millions on Breaking Bad-themed anti-litter campaign: Report Read More »

SOS stumbles through podcast—trashes voter ID while hinting at political future

23 Comments / Editorial, New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In yet another display of arrogance and dishonesty, New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver took to the Santa Fe New Mexican’s Around the Roundhouse podcast with reporter Daniel Chacón this week to once again incoherently peddle her far-left talking points—doubling down on her tired claim that New Mexico’s elections are “secure” and launching another baseless attack on commonsense voter ID laws, while struggling to formulate coherent answers, filling in inarticulate responses with “um,” “you know,” and so many other filler words to string together what barely passed as adequate replies.

Toulouse Oliver, who’s held office since 2016 thanks to a cushy political machine, wasted no time patting herself on the back for what she called New Mexico’s “number one” election integrity ranking, a laughable assertion given the state’s lax election security and refusal to adopt meaningful safeguards. While conservative states across the country have enacted voter ID laws to prevent fraud and bolster public trust, Toulouse Oliver continued to insist, despite mounting evidence to the contrary, that voter ID requirements are unnecessary.

“If you show me a problem, I will help advocate for the solution,” she declared, dismissing the very real concerns of voters who have repeatedly pointed to gaps in election security. Toulouse Oliver had the audacity to claim that voter impersonation is “extremely rare” and that enforcing ID laws is a “huge barrier” that risks disenfranchising voters. Her favorite excuse? That people might “forget” their ID, or that a poor record-keeping clerk might make a typo—arguments so flimsy they wouldn’t pass muster in a freshman debate class.

Her hostility toward voter ID and other election integrity measures is nothing new. During the podcast, she boasted about New Mexico joining lawsuits against the Trump administration for pushing election security reforms, calling the president’s efforts an “overreach” and whining about supposed “unfunded mandates.” Never mind that these are basic protections to ensure only eligible voters cast ballots—something any reasonable American would support.

Not surprisingly, Toulouse Oliver painted herself as a long-suffering public servant battling “misinformation” and “conspiracy theories,” conveniently ignoring that mistrust in elections has skyrocketed under her watch. Her solution? More tech upgrades and expanding vote-by-mail, despite glaring vulnerabilities exposed nationwide.

The Secretary also couldn’t resist hinting at her political ambitions. While playing coy about her next move, she floated finishing her PhD or potentially running for another office after her current term ends, the mark of her continued penchant to cling to power. She told Chacón, “Um, but you know, I’m still waiting to see, kind of, what the universe has … to offer up, and and um, I’ll just say never say never to running for future office. But, you know, I’m at the point where, you know, it will be 20 years in public service. And that — that’s a long career in public service.” She previously unsuccessfully ran for U.S. Senate against then-U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján, who ended up being elected U.S. senator. 

Even more concerning is Toulouse Oliver’s push for automatic voter registration—another way to inflate the rolls and weaken safeguards. Starting this summer, every New Mexican visiting the Motor Vehicle Division will be automatically registered to vote unless they actively opt out, further eroding the integrity of the process. She also advocated for voters who refuse to select a party affiliation, meddling in Republican, Democrat, and Libertarian Party primaries. 

As New Mexico stares down crucial upcoming elections, Toulouse Oliver’s podcast appearance was a reminder of what happens when radical Democrats are allowed to run elections unchecked: endless excuses, no accountability, and policies that put partisan gain above secure, fair elections. Voters should be more vigilant than ever.

With Toulouse Oliver’s track record of opposing voter ID, expanding ballot access without adequate safeguards, and cozying up to left-wing activist groups, New Mexicans have every reason to be alarmed—and to demand better.

SOS stumbles through podcast—trashes voter ID while hinting at political future Read More »

Chief Medina erupts in shouting match at ABQ City Hall as scandals explode

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Tensions boiled over Thursday night as Albuquerque City Councilor Louie Sanchez publicly clashed with Mayor Tim Keller’s Police Chief Harold Medina during a heated budget meeting, laying bare what many see as the deep dysfunction and scandal-ridden leadership of the Albuquerque Police Department (APD).

The City Council, meeting as a Committee of the Whole to hash out the city’s budget for the fiscal year starting July 1, quickly descended into chaos when Medina appeared to defend APD’s latest $271.5 million funding request—a 5.2% increase over last year. The flashpoint came when Sanchez, a former police officer and current mayoral candidate, called out Medina’s casual appearance and lack of respect. “Nice of you to show up in a polo shirt today, chief,” Sanchez jabbed, adding, “Thanks for disrespecting us today.”

The exchange escalated when Sanchez pressed Medina on why the council was left in the dark about his request to bring in New Mexico National Guard troops to assist APD by handling lower-level duties, freeing up officers for other tasks. Medina, visibly rattled, fired back, branding Sanchez as “unprofessional” and defensively declaring, “I’m not going to sit here and let you abuse me,” while adding, “I hope the whole city of Albuquerque saw” Sanchez’s actions. Both men shouted over one another until the committee chair reluctantly restored order.

But the fireworks over budget figures and staffing levels are only the tip of the iceberg. The meeting spotlighted the much deeper rot under Medina’s leadership, which has left the department mired in scandal, corruption, and declining public trust.

Most damning is the federal investigation into a massive bribery scheme in which DWI cases were thrown out in exchange for cash—a scandal Medina’s department is directly implicated in. Dubbed the “DWI Enterprise,” the operation involved APD officers, deputies from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, and New Mexico State Police, who conspired with attorney Thomas Clear III and investigator Ricardo Mendez to get DWI charges dismissed for paying clients. This brazen scheme, ongoing since at least 2008, has triggered a wave of firings and resignations within APD, underscoring the pervasive corruption Medina has failed to root out.

Further, Medina’s leadership has been dogged by claims of nepotism and retaliatory practices within the APD academy. Seven instructors filed a whistleblower lawsuit alleging they were punished for reporting that a cadet—coincidentally the son of a police commander—was reinstated after being dismissed for violating grooming standards and lying about it. The instructors were allegedly reassigned in retaliation, a move they say highlights Medina’s willingness to protect insiders at the expense of integrity and fairness.

Adding to the list of Medina’s misconduct is a February 2024 car crash where the chief ran a red light, colliding with another vehicle and seriously injuring its driver. In a blatant violation of department policy, Medina did not activate his body camera during the incident and later invoked his Fifth Amendment right to avoid self-incrimination. This reckless behavior raised further concerns about accountability at the highest levels of APD leadership.

Against this backdrop of scandal and mismanagement, Councilor Sanchez grilled Medina about bloated upper management and the continued lack of “boots on the ground.” Sanchez demanded answers: “How are you going to do something to change your over-bloated upper echelon in reference to putting boots on the ground?” Medina, predictably defensive, justified the department’s top-heavy structure by citing the U.S. Department of Justice consent decree requiring reforms. “Maybe in 2011, with those low numbers of executives, we had a lack of supervision over people. We had a lack of holding people accountable because we had spans of control that were too wide,” he argued—despite the current scandals suggesting otherwise.

Councilor Dan Champine also weighed in, scrutinizing the $6.5 million set aside for command staff salaries, further amplifying concerns that APD’s budget continues to prioritize bureaucracy over real policing.

Adding fuel to the fire, Councilor Dan Lewis exposed what he described as a $5.4 million backdoor cut to APD’s budget, criticizing the department for diverting funds meant for vacant officer positions. “We’re cutting your budget by $5.4 million, and it’s going to other things. That’s the explanation. That’s exactly what’s going on,” Lewis said bluntly.

While Medina claimed APD had around 900 officers by late 2024 and projected 1,000 by the end of 2025, the reality remains bleak. Medina admitted that even if the $5.4 million were restored for officer salaries, it would likely be funneled elsewhere—a telling sign of misplaced priorities.

Chief Financial Officer Kevin Sourisseau, attempting to downplay the controversy, insisted that overall APD funding would increase and claimed it’s routine not to fund positions that won’t be filled. But given the department’s track record under Medina, reassurances from city officials rang hollow.

Despite all of this, the council advanced the budget proposal, with a final vote expected on May 20.

With Medina’s tenure marred by corruption scandals, mishandled investigations, and ballooning bureaucracy, Thursday’s explosive meeting made one thing clear: APD’s leadership is under fire—and the pressure for real reform is only growing louder.

Watch: 

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New records: MLG blew $96K on parties, perks while New Mexicans struggled

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New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has once again shown where her true priorities lie—blowing more than $96,000 of taxpayer money last year on extravagant personal perks and frivolous entertainment, all under the guise of “official obligations,” according to public records obtained by Target 7.

The spending spree—technically allowed under a sweeping state statute—has raised serious red flags among watchdog groups who warn that this type of unchecked spending is a blatant misuse of public funds. Instead of directing resources toward meaningful state needs, Lujan Grisham funneled money into fine dining, alcohol, and even badminton sets, highlighting a growing pattern of misplaced priorities in her administration.

Fine wine, posh parties, and party trinkets

Among the most galling expenditures: $6,400 blown on a Zozobra-themed bash, over $4,000 for a catered event at the ultra-upscale Sazón restaurant, and purchases at a high-end Santa Fe wine shop. That’s not to mention eyebrow-raising buys like Miller Lite, Tootsie Rolls, and party decorations—hardly essentials for running a state government. The governor’s office even used public money to pay Santa Fe’s 10-cent bag fee, a virtue-signaling tax Lujan Grisham herself championed as part of her so-called environmental initiatives.

Records also reveal badminton sets were bought with taxpayer funds—yet another trivial purchase that raises questions about the seriousness with which the governor treats public money.

Power the Future, a group critical of the governor’s energy policies, obtained the records via public request and found that some of these events weren’t even listed on Lujan Grisham’s public calendar. One pricey gathering—costing over $1,400—was held on a “personal day,” while another catered dinner for just five people ahead of Thanksgiving tallied more than $1,000.

The loophole that keeps on giving

Despite public outrage, legal analysts note that the spending skirts the edges of legality thanks to a conveniently vague law. In 2018, the legislature authorized the governor’s contingency fund for undefined “obligations of the governor’s office,” leaving the door wide open for abuse.

“It’s somewhat vague,” said KOAT legal analyst John Day. “It doesn’t say you can’t use these funds for X, Y, or Z. It just says the governor can use it to operate the office.”

This isn’t the first time a governor has drawn scrutiny over use of the fund. Former Gov. Susana Martinez famously used it for a pizza party that spiraled into scandal when guests were caught throwing bottles off a balcony. But while Lujan Grisham’s spending may appear more polished on the surface, critics warn that it’s no less concerning in terms of transparency and accountability.

A disappearing act for accountability

Paul Gessing of the Rio Grande Foundation underscored the deeper issue: the lack of robust oversight. “The governor and anybody who has this contingency fund could abuse that privilege,” Gessing noted. “And how you track that needs to be improved.”

Notably, while Martinez’s administration budgeted $70,000 for the fund, Lujan Grisham upped it to $96,000—and then conveniently shifted that line item out of sight. In 2022, the specific contingency fund line was absorbed into a murkier budget category labeled simply “Other,” allowing even less visibility into how taxpayer money is being spent.

According to her office, the fund remains intact but is now part of a general pot for various “operational expenses.” A spokesperson dismissed concerns, saying, “events at the mansion often occur spontaneously,” and that the governor is “almost always working in some fashion, regardless of whether her schedule indicates personal time.”

Optics matter—even if the dollar amount doesn’t

While the $96,000 blown by Lujan Grisham may seem like a drop in the bucket of New Mexico’s $10.8 billion budget, Gessing rightly points out that the symbolism matters. “It’s not a huge amount of money,” he said, “but it says a lot about the governor—whoever that governor is.”

In Lujan Grisham’s case, it says plenty: taxpayers are footing the bill for her lavish tastes and lack of financial restraint—while real issues in New Mexico remain neglected.

New records: MLG blew $96K on parties, perks while New Mexicans struggled Read More »

Deb Haaland’s red flag: Proudly celebrates communist holiday

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Deb Haaland, a far-left Democrat candidate for New Mexico governor and former Biden Interior Secretary, is facing new backlash after marching shoulder to shoulder with left-wing activists at a May Day rally in Albuquerque—a holiday with unmistakable roots in communism and socialism.

Haaland promoted her participation on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Today, we march, we organize, and we rally for workers’ rights, fair pay, and safe working conditions. Grateful to join our laborers today for their May Day rally.”

The event saw teachers’ union officials and other demonstrators hoisting signs adorned with raised fists, a longtime symbol of Marxist revolution. Many carried slogans that appeared to mimic Soviet-era protest language, with red banners and socialist imagery dominating the rally.

This is no coincidence: May Day—officially known as International Workers’ Day—was embraced by communists globally as their signature holiday. While its origins lie in the 1886 Haymarket affair in Chicago, it was Vladimir Lenin who solidified May Day’s place in history as a celebration of communist power, using it to stage massive military parades in Moscow’s Red Square throughout the 20th century. Another genocidal dictator, the Nazis’ Adolph Hitler, also widely celebrated the holiday in Germany during his rule.

To avoid this ideological baggage, the United States has historically distanced itself from May Day, choosing instead to honor workers with Labor Day in September. As Time Magazine noted, Labor Day was deliberately designed to “avoid the associations with the radical labor movements” that May Day represented.

Haaland’s May Day display has added fresh ammunition for her critics, who say she is increasingly aligning with the far left. That concern is not just coming from Republicans—her chief rival in the Democrat primary, Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman, has already attacked Haaland as “too socialist for New Mexico” earlier this year, painting her as out of step even with her own party’s moderates. He, however, is just as far-left, although it is unclear if he attended the communist May Day event.

With this latest rally, observers note that Haaland appears to be digging in her heels, embracing full-blown radicalism in what is shaping up to be a bitter primary fight. Photos from the event, which show her surrounded by militant protest imagery and union bosses, may play well with progressive activists, but they are raising eyebrows among centrist Democrats and independents concerned about New Mexico’s economic and cultural direction.

Adding to the growing narrative, speakers at the rally reportedly demanded expansive new government policies, including nationalized healthcare, massive green energy subsidies, and the dismantling of private education—policy positions that echo the socialist platforms of figures like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

While Haaland’s campaign insists her focus is “workers’ rights,” her visible embrace of May Day’s radical past is likely to remain a wedge issue in the 2026 race.

With the primary battle heating up, Haaland’s May Day gambit could define her campaign, for better or worse.

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Feds crush ‘historic’ ABQ-centered drug empire: Millions in drugs, cash seized

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A sprawling fentanyl trafficking network stretching from Albuquerque to Salem, Oregon, has been shattered by federal authorities in what’s being called one of the largest operations of its kind in U.S. history.

The takedown, made public this week, culminated in a massive sweep across New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Oregon. Federal agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration seized staggering amounts of contraband: over 4 million fentanyl pills, $4.4 million in cash, 79 pounds of meth, along with heroin, cocaine, and more than 41 firearms, according to records from the U.S. District Court in Albuquerque.

At the helm of this massive enterprise, prosecutors say, was Heriberto Salazar Amaya, apprehended in Portland, Oregon. Five others are already in custody in Albuquerque, following a 12-count grand jury indictment against 14 suspects. The sweeping charges include conspiracy, drug distribution, and employing an illegal alien.

“Defendants ran a continuing criminal enterprise … and they did so across a large swath of the United States,” prosecutors stated in a motion pushing for continued detention of the suspects. The court filing, which included charts highlighting drug overdose spikes in the affected states, described the operation as devastating. Three defendants in Albuquerque have already been ordered held without bail, with more hearings to come.

“The nature and circumstances of the conspiracy are sobering,” the motion emphasized. “The destruction that occurred in New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada and Colorado at the hands of the (Heriberto Salazar Amaya drug trafficking organization) mandate that defendants remain in custody pending trial.” Prosecutors didn’t mince words, accusing the group of “terrorizing five states while operating one of the largest fentanyl (drug trafficking organizations) in history.”

On Wednesday, defendants Cesar Acuna-Morena, Vincent Montoya, and David Altimirano Lopez appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen Molzen in Albuquerque, all pleading not guilty. Fellow defendants Bruce Sedillo and David Anesi are also behind bars as the case moves forward.

Court documents noted that multiple defendants are Mexican nationals with “direct ties to Mexico,” though officials declined to provide further details this week.

The DEA’s probe dates back to 2024 and involved extensive tactics: surveillance, undercover buys, vehicle tracking, financial investigations, and intercepted communications.

According to prosecutors, the organization ran a slick and disciplined operation. Orders were placed and quickly dispatched by a fleet of couriers who followed detailed daily routes to deliver bulk shipments across cities including Denver, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Salem, and Layton, Utah.

Monday’s Albuquerque raids uncovered shocking hauls: hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills stuffed in bins inside a storage unit, and at a residence tied to Montoya, agents found $300,000 in cash, 365,000 fentanyl pills, meth, cocaine, and 39 guns—including a high-powered sniper rifle.

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Vasquez brags about voting against ‘Laken Riley Act’ at town hall

29 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

New Mexico Democrat Rep. Gabe Vasquez is facing sharp criticism after touting his vote against the Laken Riley Act and attacking President Donald Trump’s immigration policies during an April 16 town hall event.

At the meeting, Vasquez proudly announced his opposition to the legislation, which was signed into law by Trump on January 29. “I did. I voted against [the bill],” Vasquez declared to cheers from the audience. He added, “Because due process is a fundamental part of who we are as Americans,” attempting to frame his opposition as a defense of constitutional rights — despite the clear public safety concerns the bill sought to address.

The Laken Riley Act was crafted following the brutal murder of 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley, who was killed while jogging in Athens, Georgia, by an illegal immigrant. The law requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain illegal aliens arrested or charged with violent crimes, closing dangerous loopholes in immigration enforcement.

Vasquez’s comments did not stop there. He went on to criticize Trump’s deportation policies, specifically lamenting the removal of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a suspected MS-13 gang member and illegal immigrant. Vasquez claimed the deportations are “testing and stretching the fabric of our democracy to a place we have never seen before,” suggesting that American citizens could someday face similar removal if Trump’s policies are allowed to continue.

Meanwhile, data released by DHS in March shows Trump’s administration has ramped up immigration enforcement, leading to a 627% increase in monthly arrests compared to the Biden administration’s lax record the year prior. Vasquez’s comments have been picked up in the national press, including by Fox News.

Republicans swiftly pushed back on Vasquez’s stance. Texas Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales, whose district includes the largest stretch of the U.S.-Mexico border, defended the Laken Riley Act, telling Fox News Digital, “Border security is a real and lasting issue as a result of four years of inaction under President Biden. That’s why Americans voted for safer communities and to restore law and order, and President Trump is delivering on that promise with legislation like the Laken Riley Act.”

National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) spokesman Zach Bannon also weighed in, slamming Vasquez’s repeated prioritization of illegal immigrants over American citizens. “Time and time again, out-of-touch Democrat Gabe Vasquez chooses to prioritize criminal illegal aliens over the well-being of hardworking New Mexicans,” Bannon said. “He’s completely abandoned common sense, pandering to the radical left while betraying the very people who will vote him out of office next year.”

Abrego Garcia, whom Vasquez defended, had been living in Maryland before his deportation to El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) — a facility built to house violent gang members. He was previously pulled over in an SUV tied to another illegal immigrant arrested for human smuggling.

Under Trump’s leadership, immigration enforcement is once again being taken seriously — a sharp contrast to Vasquez’s radical pro-illegal immigration stance.

With public outrage growing over crimes committed by illegal immigrants, Vasquez’s celebration of his vote against the Laken Riley Act may well become a major liability heading into the 2026 election cycle.

Vasquez brags about voting against ‘Laken Riley Act’ at town hall Read More »

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