New Mexico

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

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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.

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New Mexico one of the worst states for working moms: Report

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As Mother’s Day approaches, a new WalletHub report reveals troubling news for New Mexico’s working mothers. In its 2025 Best & Worst States for Working Moms rankings, the Land of Enchantment placed an alarming 47th out of 51, one of the worst showings in the nation.

WalletHub’s study evaluated all 50 states and the District of Columbia using 17 key indicators of work-life balance, child-care access, and professional opportunities for women. Metrics included the female unemployment rate, child-care costs relative to income, and the availability of childcare services. New Mexico’s poor performance reflects serious and persistent problems for working families across the state.

The findings come at a time when 74% of women with children under 18 are participating in the workforce nationally. However, in New Mexico, where Democrat politicians have dominated state government for nearly 90 years, outcomes for working mothers continue to lag far behind national averages. High poverty rates, low median wages for women, subpar public school performance, and limited access to quality child care contribute to the state’s dismal ranking.

States that ranked highest for working mothers, such as Massachusetts and Connecticut, boasted stronger educational systems, better economic opportunities, and more accessible child care. Meanwhile, New Mexico’s decades of single-party leadership have coincided with economic stagnation, poor educational outcomes, and policies that have failed to create a thriving environment for working families.

Despite promises over the years to improve conditions for women and families, New Mexico continues to face some of the nation’s highest child poverty rates and one of the weakest labor force participation rates among women.

Even as other states have expanded opportunities through private-sector growth and educational choice, New Mexico has mainly remained tethered to government-driven solutions that have shown limited success.

The WalletHub report serves as a stark reminder that political leadership matters when it comes to the economic well-being of families. After nearly a century of Democrat rule, New Mexico working mothers are still waiting for meaningful improvements that would allow them to balance career ambitions with raising a family.

To view the full rankings and methodology, visit WalletHub’s website here.

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What to know about the arrest of Democrat ex-judge Joel Cano, wife

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Former Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano, a Democrat, and his wife, Nancy Cano, were arrested Thursday following a federal raid on their Las Cruces home. The couple is accused of tampering with evidence while allegedly harboring Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, an illegal alien believed to be affiliated with the notorious Venezuelan Tren de Aragua (TDA) gang—a violent transnational criminal organization expanding its footprint in the U.S.

The explosive arrest follows Ortega-Lopez’s discovery at the Cano residence in February. Court records reveal that Nancy Cano initially hired him for home repairs and later invited him to stay in the couple’s guesthouse, despite his illegal status and alleged gang ties.

“Under President Trump, we have arrested over 150,000 aliens—including more than 600 members of the vicious Tren de Aragua gang,” said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. “If you are here illegally and break the law, we will hunt you down, arrest you and lock you up. That’s a promise.”

Photos submitted as evidence in court filings show Ortega-Lopez celebrating Christmas and eating dinner with the Cano family—raising serious questions about how deeply the Canos were entangled with a known criminal. Investigators also uncovered gang-affiliated paraphernalia, including TDA-related clothing, tattoos, voicemails, and texts.

Federal documents confirm Ortega-Lopez illegally crossed the border near Eagle Pass, Texas, on December 15, 2023, and was released three days later due to overcrowding—despite being subject to deportation under the Immigration and Nationality Act. He was issued a Notice to Appear and released into the country.

Further investigation revealed firearms stored at the residence of the Canos’ daughter, April Cano, with some weapons appearing in social media photos where Ortega-Lopez posed with them. He now faces federal charges for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(5), which carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison.

Former ICE Field Office Director John Fabbricatore called the incident a serious red flag:

“Doña Ana County has been a hotbed of illegal immigration and drug trafficking, human smuggling for many, many years. To see that a judge would allow this to happen. It’s very concerning. What else has the judge been doing?”

After the February raid, Cano resigned from his judicial post in March. On Tuesday, the New Mexico Supreme Court permanently disbarred him from ever holding a judgeship in the state again.

The backlash from local leaders has been swift.

“The people of New Mexico are tired of a system where the powerful don’t play by their own rules,” said Amy Barela, Republican Party Chairwoman for New Mexico. “We demand real accountability for Judge Cano’s connection to a gang-affiliated criminal and full transparency on how our judiciary is being held to the same laws as the rest of us. Enough is enough.”

Homeland Security Investigations is continuing to lead the case, with potential for more charges or co-conspirators to be revealed.

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Dead baby found in dumpster after NM Dems kill safe haven bill again

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In a horrifying and heartbreaking development, a newborn was found dead in a dumpster in Albuquerque this week, marking yet another preventable tragedy in New Mexico’s growing list of infant abandonments.

This shocking discovery comes on the heels of several high-profile cases, including the 2022 viral footage of Alexis Avila discarding her infant into a dumpster in Hobbs and the 2023 case of Alexee Trevizo, charged with murder after her newborn was discovered in a hospital trash can in Artesia. Since 2019, New Mexico has recorded at least five such cases—each one stirring public outrage, but little to no action from state lawmakers.

Authorities are now investigating the Albuquerque case, while local officials scramble to respond by considering the installation of a Safe Haven Baby Box—an anonymous, secure surrender site for parents in crisis.

“We are working on it and looking at all the options to get these installed,” said Bernalillo County Fire Department spokesperson William Harris to KOAT 7 News. “We all have our bleeding hearts, and we want these babies to be safe.”

But the grim truth is that this could have been avoided. For five consecutive legislative sessions, the Democrat-controlled New Mexico Legislature has refused to pass legislation that would allow Safe Haven Baby Boxes to be installed statewide. These boxes have saved lives elsewhere and have already proven successful in places like Hobbs and Belen.

“We are hearing of newborns abandoned in the trash every year in New Mexico—yet the Democrat majority in our legislature refuses to pass a law expanding access to Safe Haven Baby Boxes statewide,” said Elisa Martinez, Executive Director of the New Mexico Alliance for Life. “We are dealing with a death cult in the New Mexico legislature that has no value for life before or after birth. The same legislators [who] support abortion up to the moment of birth for any reason are also responsible for blocking the Safe Haven Baby Box bill. How many innocent babies must die alone in a [trash can] before they act?”

In contrast, local efforts have stepped up where the state has failed. Hobbs has seen three safe surrenders in just the past 18 months, and in one touching case, a Belen firefighter who witnessed a baby’s surrender adopted the child shortly thereafter.

“Safe Haven Baby Boxes provide a safe, anonymous way for mothers to surrender infants,” said Sen. David Gallegos (R-Eunice). “Every year, Democrats offer a new excuse to block this life-saving and compassionate bill that has nothing to do with abortion. They’ve controlled both houses of the legislature for nearly a decade, and still—every year—we hear a new excuse.”

Safe Haven Baby Boxes have no connection to abortion and offer a life-affirming, confidential way for desperate parents to ensure their child is cared for. The devices are installed in fire stations and hospitals, alerting personnel the moment a baby is placed inside so the infant can receive immediate care.

As another child is lost to abandonment, the New Mexico Alliance for Life is renewing its call for urgent legislative action.

“This is a matter of life and death,” said Martinez. “It’s time for lawmakers to stop playing politics and start protecting the most innocent among us.”

Unless the Democrat majority relents and allows this life-saving measure to move forward, New Mexico risks repeating this cycle of tragedy again and again.

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U.S. military now authorized to detain criminal aliens in New Mexico

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American troops now have the authority to detain and search immigrants lacking certain documentation in New Mexico, a role service members have not held before at the southern border, U.S. Northern Command (Northcom) said Monday.

Northcom said troops “have been delegated the authority” to conduct security support operations in the New Mexico National Defense Area, a zone that runs along the U.S.-Mexico border now considered part of the Army’s Fort Huachuca in Arizona.

The authorization means service members can now temporarily detain and search trespassers, provide medical assistance, and implement crowd control on the military-controlled land until appropriate law enforcement can take custody of an individual, according to a statement from Northcom, the command leading military efforts in the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration.

Service members also may assist with setting up temporary barriers, signage, and fencing if requested, Northcom said. 

“Through these enhanced authorities, U.S. Northern Command will ensure those who illegally trespass in the New Mexico National Defense Area are handed over to Customs and Border Protection or our other law enforcement partners,” Northcom Commander Gen. Gregory Guillot said in a statement. 

He added that Joint Task Force-Southern Border, the military task force charged with supporting border security, “will conduct enhanced detection and monitoring, which will include vehicle and foot patrols, rotary wing, and fixed surveillance site operations.”

The new authorization comes after President Trump on April 11 directed the control of the Roosevelt Reservation area in New Mexico be transferred from the Department of the Interior to the Defense Department for a period of three years to support Border Patrol.

The transfer, which made the strip of land part of an Army installation, effectively allows the administration to bypass a federal law that prohibits American troops from carrying out domestic law enforcement on U.S. soil.

The move is a significant shift in the military’s role at the border, with troops over the last several administrations only supporting law enforcement agencies and not meant to come into contact with individuals crossing the border.

Guillot last month told lawmakers that the 6,500 service members at the southern border were supporting Customs and Border Protection and “are not currently doing any detentions.”

But that is expected to change with Trump’s new authorization, with plans to increase the area within which troops can detain and search migrants. 

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on April 15 that the new national defense area spans more than 170 miles across the border in New Mexico and said “in the coming weeks, this administration will add more than 90 miles in the state of Texas.”

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NM makes national headlines after Dem judge tied to gang suspect resigns

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Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano has officially resigned amid swirling controversy surrounding a federal investigation into a Venezuelan national linked to a violent transnational gang who was arrested at the judge’s Las Cruces home.

Cano, who has served on the bench since 2011, submitted his resignation on March 3 without citing a reason. However, the move came just days after federal agents raided a property owned by Cano and his wife, Nancy, arresting 23-year-old Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a man currently facing federal firearm charges and under scrutiny for alleged ties to the notorious Tren de Aragua gang. The case has since drawn national attention, with outlets such as Fox News, Newsweek, The Daily Caller, and New York Post picking up the story. Even the British Daily Mail has reported on the incident.

In his resignation letter, Cano wrote, “Working with each of you has been a very rewarding experience for which I will remain eternally grateful.” His last day on the job was March 21, the same day he held his final hearings, according to court records.

The arrest has ignited concern over how a man accused of gang affiliation and illegal firearm possession came to reside on property owned by a sitting judge. Homeland Security Investigations executed a search warrant on Feb. 28 at the Cano residence, where Ortega-Lopez was found. Agents also retrieved four firearms from a nearby house owned by April Cano, Nancy Cano’s daughter, according to court documents.

A criminal complaint alleges that Ortega-Lopez admitted to handling and firing these weapons, and prosecutors presented social media images allegedly showing him posing with the firearms. In one of the exhibits introduced in court, Ortega-Lopez is even pictured alongside Judge Cano.

The Venezuelan national, who is in the U.S. unlawfully, was charged with being an alien in possession of firearms and ammunition, a felony that could carry up to 15 years in federal prison. He was previously caught by Border Patrol agents after crossing the southern border near Eagle Pass, Texas, but was released due to overcrowding and placed on humanitarian parole, according to federal records.

Prosecutors assert that Ortega-Lopez poses both a flight risk and a threat to public safety. “He is believed to have ties to the Tren de Aragua,” a criminal organization originating in Venezuela, prosecutors argue in motions to keep him detained without bond.

Court records reveal that Ortega-Lopez moved to El Paso and then to Las Cruces, where he met Nancy Cano while working construction jobs. She reportedly offered him housing in a detached casita behind the Cano residence. He listed the address in a 2024 immigration relief application.

Further troubling for federal prosecutors is Ortega-Lopez’s alleged access to multiple firearms through April Cano. “She possessed a large number of firearms,” court documents state, “and allowed him to hold and sometimes shoot various firearms,” including rifles and handguns that later appeared in social media posts.

During a detention hearing on March 14, U.S. Magistrate Judge Damian Martinez initially leaned toward releasing Ortega-Lopez, saying, “I don’t think [Judge Cano] would just let anybody live in his property.” Prosecutors swiftly appealed, challenging Martinez’s decision and noting his request for pretrial services to assess Nancy Cano as a potential third-party custodian, even though the arrest occurred at her residence.

As of now, Ortega-Lopez remains behind bars at the Doña Ana County Detention Center pending another detention hearing.

While Joel Cano has not been charged with any crimes, his sudden resignation and the national spotlight on his association with an alleged gang-linked individual have prompted significant scrutiny. Some comentators have described the situation as “deeply alarming,” raising broader concerns about judicial integrity and border enforcement gaps.

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Pope Francis passes away: How his papacy quietly shaped NM Catholicism

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Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church and the first pope from the Americas, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed early Monday. His passing marks the end of a historic papacy that began in 2013 and spanned more than a decade of leadership marked by broad international outreach and internal reform. His passing came one day after Easter, and he met with Vice President J.D. Vance, who is a Catholic.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis became the first Jesuit pope and the first non-European pontiff in more than 1,200 years. His papacy followed the unprecedented resignation of Pope Benedict XVI and ushered in a new chapter for the Church amid a rapidly changing world.

While Pope Francis’ initiatives sometimes sparked debate within the global Catholic community, his tenure saw significant engagement with regions historically shaped by Catholic heritage, including the American Southwest. In New Mexico, where Catholicism has deep roots dating back to Spanish colonization, Francis’ leadership coincided with renewed attention to issues facing rural dioceses.

Although Francis never visited New Mexico in person, his influence was noted throughout the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and the Diocese of Gallup and Las Cruces. Local bishops often referenced his calls for outreach to the peripheries of society and support for charitable missions. Under his leadership, New Mexico’s Catholic institutions continued their long-standing commitments to providing education, healthcare, and food assistance through faith-based organizations.

New Mexico’s Catholic communities, including many rural parishes and historic mission churches, continued to carry out traditional liturgical practices during the Francis papacy. While some of the Pope’s global pronouncements received mixed responses, specifically to the chagrin of traditional Catholics who practice the sacred Latin Mass, many Catholics in the state found unity in his consistent emphasis on prayer, humility, and the spiritual needs of the faithful.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Vatican-linked relief funds were distributed through Catholic Charities branches across the United States, including in Albuquerque and Las Cruces. These efforts provided support to families and individuals during times of economic strain, helping to maintain the Church’s presence in struggling communities.

Pope Francis also emphasized the importance of pastoral care in dioceses facing priest shortages, a challenge that has affected New Mexico for decades. His global focus on vocations and parish life echoed locally as dioceses worked to sustain clergy in remote and underserved areas of the state.

Although some of Francis’ positions on global issues were more widely accepted outside traditional circles, his core message of compassion, faithfulness, and pastoral presence left a lasting impact on millions of Catholics worldwide. In New Mexico, where over one-third of the population identifies as Catholic, his words and witness were often felt through local clergy, parish missions, and diocesan leadership.

The Vatican has not yet announced a date for the funeral Mass, though tradition holds that nine days of mourning (novemdiales) will follow the Pope’s death. Preparations are already underway for the gathering of cardinals in Rome to convene a conclave and elect a new successor to the Chair of Saint Peter. According to analyses of the current makeup of the College of Cardinals, the next pope is expected to hold moderately conservative to more traditionalist views. 

Pope Francis’ passing marks the end of a notable chapter in Church history. His leadership, while at times met with differing interpretations, undeniably shaped the trajectory of the Church in the 21st century, reaching even the chapels and mission churches of New Mexico with his call to live out the Gospel faithfully and sincerely.

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Meet NM’s new Trump-appointed US Attorney, Ryan Ellison

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In a bold move, reinforcing the Trump administration’s enduring focus on law and order, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed Ryan Ellison as the new U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico. His swearing-in took place today before U.S. District Judge Margaret Strickland, marking a new chapter in federal crime enforcement for the state.

Ellison’s appointment signals a renewed and vigorous federal push to crack down on the unchecked crime and border chaos that has plagued New Mexico for years under weak Democrat rule. A native of Alamogordo, Ellison brings a wealth of prosecutorial experience and a deep understanding of the challenges facing his home state. After graduating from the University of Arizona in 2010 with a degree in business, he earned both his J.D. and MBA from Texas Tech University in 2013 — a combination that reflects a keen mind for both legal and strategic management.

For the past six years, Ellison has worked as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Las Cruces, where he helped lead the charge in what has become the largest criminal case ever prosecuted in the state: the takedown of the dangerous Syndicato de Nuevo Mexico (SNM) prison gang. “To date, more than 175 SNM gang members and associates have been charged with serious federal crimes,” a spokesperson for the district office noted. The sheer scope of the prosecution speaks volumes about Ellison’s resolve to dismantle violent criminal enterprises operating in New Mexico.

In addition to gang prosecutions, Ellison has pursued some of the most violent and heinous offenders in the state, handling cases involving RICO conspiracies, murder-for-hire, kidnapping resulting in death, and national security threats — a resume that reflects the tough-on-crime stance championed during the Trump administration.

Now taking the helm of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Ellison made it clear that his mission is aligned with President Trump’s America First philosophy. “For however long I serve as United States Attorney, my primary objective will be to keep New Mexicans safe through the vigorous enforcement of Federal law,” he said. “Under my leadership… we will do our part to stem the unlawful flow of people and drugs into our country.”

Ellison didn’t mince words about the threats posed by open-border policies and progressive prosecutors who’ve turned a blind eye to cartel violence and human trafficking. “We will not lose sight of our responsibility to combat violent crime, gang activity, child predators, and to zealously advocate on behalf of the United States’ civil interests,” he stated.

His past roles as Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney for Violent and General Crimes, Assistant District Attorney, and private practice attorney round out a professional profile that combines deep courtroom experience with practical knowledge of New Mexico’s legal landscape.

As New Mexico battles rising crime, drug trafficking, and cartel infiltration, Ellison’s appointment is a promising shift toward accountability and security. His leadership, rooted in prosecutorial toughness and constitutional law enforcement, could mark a turning point for a state long plagued by lawlessness.

With a fearless and unapologetic stance on enforcing federal laws and securing the border, Ryan Ellison stands as a testament to the pro-Trump law-and-order legacy — one that puts the safety of American families and the sovereignty of the nation above political gamesmanship.

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Woke protesters at UNM have meltdown as school ends DEI

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The University of New Mexico (UNM) has found itself at the center of a growing national debate after it began rolling back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This shift comes in response to new federal guidance aimed at dismantling discriminatory practices that, under the guise of equity, have promoted race-based preferences, undermining the American principle of equal opportunity for all.

Eric Rodriguez, a student at UNM, admitted to the Santa Fe New Mexican that he might not have made it into the university on merit alone. “Maybe none of this would have happened,” he said, reflecting on his admission, which was aided by policies favoring Hispanic applicants and scholarships based on race (a moot point since New Mexico is a majority minority state). Now, with these systems being phased out, Rodriguez expressed uncertainty about the future for students like him. However, the real question is why anyone—regardless of background—should feel entitled to admission based on race instead of merit and character.

UNM’s decision follows a February 14 directive from the U.S. Department of Education warning schools to eliminate DEI-based admissions and employment criteria or risk losing federal funding. UNM President Garnett Stokes responded to criticism by saying that “adapting to new legal frameworks is not submission; it is a mechanism … to identify new paths for meeting our mission and achieving our goals while remaining compliant with federal law.” Her stance underscores a basic reality: no public institution can expect to retain federal dollars while willfully violating federal standards rooted in fairness and colorblind equality.

While the change has provoked backlash from left-wing student groups and faculty unions, it is a necessary and commendable course correction. Hundreds protested outside UNM’s Scholes Hall during a “National Day of Action,” accusing the school of “capitulating” to conservative political pressure. But what they fail to recognize is that DEI, as implemented, has become a thinly veiled system of racial favoritism—one that punishes individuals based on immutable characteristics like race or gender while rewarding others under the false pretense of justice.

Steph Flores of the UNM Graduate and Professional Student Association demanded that administrators not just “say” they support minority students but show it. However, true support must come through fostering academic excellence and personal responsibility—not permanent reliance on identity-based handouts.

Notably, critics like Mark Campbell of Students for Justice in Palestine brushed off funding concerns, mocking UNM’s financial limitations. Yet, unlike billion-dollar institutions like Harvard, UNM’s endowment sits at around $500 million—hardly an excess cushion to risk over ideological posturing. Harvard may indulge in defiance, but UNM seems to be prioritizing fiscal survival.

Even allegations of visa revocations for international students have been weaponized by protest organizers without evidence, revealing how far the outrage machine will go to prop up failed DEI programs.

President Trump’s administration and its ideological heirs are not attempting to strip rights away—they are working to restore a system based on merit, equality under the law, and individual dignity. Programs that treat people differently because of their race are not progressive; they are regressive and unconstitutional. 

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