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Immigration drops across NM — Many areas down over 50%

4 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A new New York Times analysis of fresh U.S. Census Bureau estimates shows that net international immigration fell in every metro area in America in 2025, and New Mexico was no exception.

The national story was clear: after years of mass migration and border chaos, immigration numbers dropped sharply across the country as restrictions that began late in the Biden administration intensified under President Donald Trump. The Times reported that every metro area in the United States experienced lower immigration rates during the year leading up to July 2025 than in the previous year, with many areas seeing declines of more than 50 percent.

For New Mexico, the map tells a striking story. Cross-referencing the Times graphic with a county map of New Mexico shows that most of the state’s identifiable metro and micropolitan areas were in the darker category — meaning net international immigration fell by more than 50 percent.

Based on that graphic, the New Mexico counties or county-based areas that appear to fall into the “fell more than 50%” category include much of the state, particularly across the south, west, and central corridor. That appears to include San Juan, McKinley, Bernalillo, Sandoval, Valencia, Torrance, Doña Ana, Otero, Chaves, Eddy, Roosevelt, Curry, Luna, Grant, Hidalgo, Lea, and likely several other county-based areas shown in orange on the map.

By contrast, the lighter yellow category — meaning immigration still fell, but by less than 50 percent — appears to show only a small pocket in north-central New Mexico, most clearly aligning with Santa Fe County on the cross-reference.

A few areas in the New Mexico graphic appear unshaded or are not clearly distinguishable on the Times image, meaning they cannot be confidently assigned to either category from the map alone. But the broad takeaway is unmistakable: New Mexico saw a substantial drop in international immigration across nearly all of its visible metro and micropolitan regions, and in most of them the decline appears to have exceeded 50 percent.

That is a major change from the previous few years, when border states and nearby regions were absorbing much larger numbers of foreign arrivals.

Supporters of stricter immigration enforcement will likely view the numbers as evidence that stronger border controls and tougher federal policy are having the intended effect. After years of record illegal immigration, the sharp decline suggests the federal government is finally regaining some control over the border and over who enters the country.

That does not mean legal immigration is bad. Far from it. A strong, orderly, merit-based legal immigration system has long benefited the United States. But the 2025 numbers suggest that the era of uncontrolled mass inflows of illegal migrants is finally slowing.

The Times noted that some demographers worry lower immigration could reduce population growth, especially in large cities and older rural counties. But there is another side to that equation: rapid immigration surges also strain schools, hospitals, housing markets, law enforcement, and taxpayer-funded services.

For New Mexico, the new map suggests that the biggest immigration slowdown was not limited to one corner of the state. It was widespread.

In short, the New York Times graphic shows that international immigration fell across virtually all visible parts of New Mexico in 2025 — and in most of those areas, it appears to have fallen by more than half. After years of border disorder, that is a dramatic reversal.

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Texas wants a piece of New Mexico

33 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A new set of legislative priorities released by Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows is drawing attention in New Mexico after one directive instructed Texas lawmakers to study the possibility of annexing parts of New Mexico into Texas.

According to a report by the Texas Tribune, Burrows directed a Texas House committee to examine “the implications of adding to Texas ‘one or more contiguous counties of New Mexico’ and the process to do so,” after proposals surfaced suggesting some New Mexico counties might be interested in seceding and joining Texas.

While the idea of changing state boundaries is highly unlikely in the near future, the directive signals that Texas lawmakers are at least willing to explore the concept as part of their planning for the 2027 legislative session.

“Following a legislative session defined by historic solutions, it is critical the Texas House remains engaged in thoughtful policymaking and oversight as our state continues to grow and advance,” Burrows said in a statement, according to the Texas Tribune. He added that the interim charges are meant to build on that progress while identifying fraud, waste and abuse and safeguarding taxpayer dollars.

The annexation study was just one item on a broader list of priorities that included property tax relief, water infrastructure, data center development, foreign influence concerns and government oversight. Data center growth appeared multiple times on the priority list, with lawmakers directed to examine regulatory changes and water usage tied to data center expansion — an increasingly important issue as Texas faces ongoing water supply challenges.

Texas lawmakers were also instructed to review the property tax system, including school district tax rates and homestead exemptions, as state leaders continue looking for ways to reduce the property tax burden on homeowners.

The list also included directives related to energy markets, oil and gas production, and geopolitical instability abroad, particularly in the Middle East and global liquefied natural gas markets, according to the Texas Tribune.

But it was the New Mexico annexation idea that quickly generated political reaction across state lines.

Far-left Democrat U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez responded on social media after the report was published, writing, “Texas invaded New Mexico before. We won then, and we won’t ever let Texas win. Besides, you don’t even have green chile…”

Her comment referenced the long historical rivalry between the two states, as well as the 19th-century territorial conflicts that shaped the modern Texas–New Mexico border.

The Texas Tribune noted that while boundary changes are unlikely to happen anytime soon, the proposal could appeal to pro-secession activists and political groups that have periodically pushed the idea of rural counties leaving New Mexico for Texas.

Any attempt to move state boundaries would face enormous legal and political hurdles, including approval from both state legislatures and the U.S. Congress.

Still, the fact that Texas leadership has now formally directed a committee to study the issue suggests the idea may continue to surface in political discussions leading up to the 2027 Texas legislative session.

For now, the directive remains a study request — not a formal proposal — but it has already sparked debate and reactions on both sides of the state line, highlighting ongoing political, economic and cultural differences between Texas and New Mexico.

Whether the idea goes anywhere remains to be seen, but the conversation itself has now officially entered the policy arena in Texas.

Texas wants a piece of New Mexico Read More »

Haaland stumbles through remarks at campaign stop as debate pressure builds

15 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A recent campaign stop by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland in Santa Fe is drawing attention online after video showed the former Interior secretary stumbling through prepared remarks while speaking to a group of educators near Paseo de Peralta.

During the event, Haaland appeared to struggle while attempting to deliver a series of education-related talking points, at one point acknowledging difficulty reading from bullet points.

“…for my child and I want that for every single New Mexico child and I think we can get there. So, um, early readers, supportive teachers, and, or, successful families, sorry, I’m terrible at these, you know, bullet points,” Haaland said during the incoherent remarks.

The moment quickly circulated on social media, where critics and commenters questioned her speaking performance and preparedness on the campaign trail.

Some social media users were blunt in their criticism. One commenter wrote, “She couldn’t even answer simple questions from the Senate as interior secretary. A total embarrassment to our state.” Another wrote, “The fact that she is even on the card should make every educated person question how.” Others questioned her qualifications and called for debates in the gubernatorial primary.

The video is resurfacing at the same time Haaland’s primary opponent, Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman, continues to criticize her for declining multiple debate invitations ahead of the June primary.

According to a Feb. 28 report from the Santa Fe New Mexican, Bregman has been publicly tracking the number of days since he challenged Haaland to debate, saying voters deserve a direct comparison between the candidates before early voting begins. The Haaland campaign has said she plans to participate in a May forum hosted by Dukes Up and New Mexico PBS but has declined other debate invitations.

“In my line of work, when you’re confident in your case, you welcome trial,” Bregman said in a statement reported by the Santa Fe New Mexican. “You don’t get to run from questions and then ask to run this state.”

The debate issue has become a central point of tension in the Democrat primary, with Bregman’s campaign arguing that refusing debates limits voter access to information about the candidates’ positions on major issues including public safety, education and the economy.

The Haaland campaign has pushed back, saying she has been traveling the state and speaking directly to voters at campaign events and community gatherings.

Still, the recent Santa Fe campaign stop video has added new fuel to the debate issue, with critics arguing that unscripted debates would give voters a clearer picture of each candidate’s ability to think on their feet and communicate policy positions.

The Democrat primary for governor will take place June 2, with early voting beginning May 1. Haaland remains the frontrunner in the race, but Bregman has been working to close the gap, and his campaign has increasingly focused on debates, public appearances and what they describe as accountability and transparency.

The Republicans who are running for governor include Rio Rancho Mayor Greggory Hull, small business owner Doug Turner, and Ultra Health businessman Duke Rodriguez.

With more campaign stops, forums and public events expected in the coming weeks, the primary contest between Haaland and Bregman appears likely to intensify as voters begin paying closer attention ahead of early voting.

Haaland brings national shame upon NM due to Epstein ties

Haaland stumbles through remarks at campaign stop as debate pressure builds Read More »

Dems try new legal tactic to shut down Otero County ICE facility

16 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The Otero County Commission voted Wednesday night to once again extend its federal immigrant detention contract, setting up a growing legal battle with the State of New Mexico as a new law banning such agreements is set to take effect in May.

The unanimous vote extends the county’s agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and private prison operator Management and Training Corporation (MTC), allowing the Otero County Processing Center in Chaparral to continue housing federal immigration detainees.

The move comes after the far-left Democrat-led New Mexico Department of Justice under Attorney General Raúl Torrez claimed that the county’s previous attempt earlier this month to extend the contract violated the state’s Open Meetings Act, rendering that earlier extension invalid, despite the meeting being completely legal and valid in every possible way.

During Wednesday’s meeting, Otero County Attorney R.B. Nichols told commissioners that the county was re-approving the agreement in an effort to address the state’s transparency concerns, while still disputing that the earlier emergency meeting had been unlawful. He also warned that the state had introduced a new legal argument just hours before the meeting, claiming the contract was void because it had not been approved by the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration under the Joint Powers Agreements Act.

Nichols strongly rejected that claim, arguing the agreement with ICE is a federal contract governed by federal law, not a joint powers agreement between government entities. He also noted that similar ICE contracts in Otero, Torrance, and Cibola counties had never previously required state approval.

“The selective application of this theory on the afternoon of tonight’s meeting speaks for itself,” Nichols said during the meeting.

According to reporting from Source New Mexico, “In response to a Source NM question about whether Otero or other counties with ICE contracts have been required to receive state approval in the past, (NMDOJ Chief of Staff Lauren) Rodriguez said in an email late Wednesday evening that, ‘It is always incumbent upon local jurisdictions to follow the law. We will continue to monitor and review this process.’” 

At the center of the dispute is House Bill 9, passed during the 2026 legislative session, which bans local governments in New Mexico from entering into or renewing contracts to house federal immigration detainees. The law takes effect in May.

County officials say they must continue the ICE contract to pay off revenue bonds issued to build the detention facility nearly two decades ago. According to county officials, more than $60 million in bonds remain tied to the facility, and the contract revenue is the only source used to repay that debt.

Nichols warned that if the contract is voided and the revenue stream disappears, the bonds could go into default, potentially damaging the county’s credit rating and increasing borrowing costs for future projects such as roads, schools, and public safety infrastructure.

He also warned that if the facility were forced to close, the property could be foreclosed on and sold to a private company, which could then contract directly with ICE anyway — meaning the detention operations would continue, but the county would lose the facility and its revenue while local workers would still face disruption.

Public comment during the meeting included criticism from residents who said county officials should have planned ahead for the possibility that the state would eventually prohibit ICE detention contracts and should have developed alternative revenue sources earlier.

After the vote, the commission also re-approved a resolution allowing the county to hire outside legal counsel and then went into executive session to discuss potential litigation related to House Bill 9 and the Department of Justice’s actions.

The dispute between Otero County and the state is now likely headed toward a legal showdown over whether the county can continue its ICE contract and whether the state has the authority to block the agreement once House Bill 9 takes effect.

With hundreds of jobs, millions in county revenue, and the future of the detention facility at stake, the outcome of the legal fight could have major implications not only for Otero County but also for other New Mexico counties with similar federal detention agreements.

Watch Otero County’s special meeting here: 

Dems try new legal tactic to shut down Otero County ICE facility Read More »

Leger Fernandez rants about Epstein, SAVE Act in bizarre string of X videos

18 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez’s latest campaign email and a series of airport videos posted to social media are raising eyebrows across New Mexico after the northern New Mexico Democrat made several misleading claims about election law, federal funding, and the Jeffrey Epstein scandal — all while attempting to position herself as a champion of transparency.

In one video filmed at an airport and posted to X, Leger Fernandez held up her REAL ID and claimed it would not be sufficient for voting under Republican-backed election integrity legislation.

“I’m about to get on a flight. I’m going to use my real ID. Guess what I cannot use this for? I can’t use this to register to vote or to vote,” she said. “So when they say they just want ID, it’s not this. They’re going to make you get a passport, which costs money, or walk around with your birth certificate. Voting is not a privilege like taking a plane. Voting is our right.”

She was referring to the SAVE Act, which recently passed the U.S. House and is now under consideration in the U.S. Senate. The legislation requires proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections — something supporters say is necessary to ensure only U.S. citizens vote in federal elections. The bill also allows all currently registered voters to remain registered, a key detail not mentioned in her video.

In another airport video, Leger Fernandez claimed Republicans were responsible for funding issues affecting federal agencies such as TSA and FEMA, saying Democrats had offered a funding solution that Republicans voted down.

“Democrats have offered a funding solution so that we can get TSA funded, we can get FEMA funded. Republicans voted it down,” she said. “There’s a simple solution. Vote for the Democrat funding bill. Let’s get them funded.”

The comments were included as part of her March campaign newsletter, titled “The Teresa Times,” which was sent to supporters and included statements on foreign policy, the Cesar Chavez abuse allegations, federal funding announcements, and the ongoing investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch in Santa Fe County. She previously praised Chavez in social media posts.

After years of little public attention from New Mexico’s federal delegation on Epstein’s New Mexico ranch, Leger Fernandez also highlighted her visit to the property and the state-level investigation now underway.

“On Sunday, I was at the Zorro Ranch and we were demanding that there be an investigation,” she said. “It’s been too long, too many decades, but what is buried there? We need to find out.”

Epstein’s Zorro Ranch and the powerful individuals connected to it have been known to the public for years, including during the tenure of multiple high-ranking New Mexico officials. Only now, after national attention has intensified again, are some elected officials publicly calling for deeper investigation. It is unclear who Fernandez was “demanding” an investigation from after years of her silence.

Leger Fernandez’s email also included partisan attacks over Middle East policy, statements about Women’s History Month, announcements of federal spending in northern New Mexico, and a statement responding to sexual abuse allegations involving labor leader Cesar Chavez, in which she said she was “heartbroken and deeply disturbed” and expressed support for survivors.

The SAVE Act, government funding fights, and the Epstein investigation are all quickly becoming political flashpoints heading into the 2026 election cycle — and Leger Fernandez’s latest email shows how Democrats are attempting to message heavily on all three issues as the campaign season ramps up.

Leger Fernandez rants about Epstein, SAVE Act in bizarre string of X videos Read More »

‘Democratic socialist’ makes ballot to challenge Ben Ray Luján in June primary

11 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A Democratic socialist from Farmington has officially qualified to appear on the Democrat primary ballot to challenge incumbent U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján in New Mexico’s 2026 Senate race.

Matt Dodson, a longtime San Juan County Democrat and Air Force veteran, confirmed this week that he received official notice from the New Mexico Secretary of State that he will appear on the June 2 Democratic primary ballot.

Dodson has been involved in Democrat Party politics for years, including serving seven terms on the party’s State Central Committee. He has also been involved in environmental advocacy and was previously endorsed by Conservation Voters New Mexico during a past run for the New Mexico Legislature. According to his campaign, he is affiliated with “environmental justice” and veterans advocacy groups.

Dodson is running on a platform that includes universal healthcare, “free” college, higher taxes on billionaires, and removing corporate money from politics. He has pledged not to accept corporate contributions to his campaign.

Courtesty, Matt Dodson

“The Democratic Party’s favorability is at an all-time low,” Dodson said in a statement announcing his candidacy. “We should be spending money here in the U.S. working on our infrastructure and social programs, not on foreign wars of aggression.”

Dodson is positioning himself as a challenger to what he describes as entrenched political leadership in Washington, including Luján, who comes from one of New Mexico’s most well-known political families. Luján was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2020 after serving in the U.S. House of Representatives and previously working on the state’s Public Regulation Commission — back when requirements for the job were lax.

Dodson said he believes voters are frustrated with the current direction of the country and the economy and are looking for new leadership.

“These legacy names are about to expire,” Dodson said. “This country and this state are suffering too many setbacks. We need new leadership, true leadership, to bring us out of what will result from this war and this lackluster economy.”

He also criticized what he described as the influence of defense contractors, corporations, and billionaires on federal policy, arguing that elected officials are not doing enough to support working families.

“Who is going to rebuild this economy for the average working family?” Dodson said. “I am. Why? Because I care about our economy, infrastructure, and the well-being of workers and families; things our current Congress is ignoring.”

Dodson will face Luján in the Democrat primary election on June 2, with early voting scheduled to begin May 5.

While Luján has not yet publicly responded to the primary challenge, incumbents typically hold significant advantages in fundraising, name recognition, and party support. However, Dodson’s entry into the race signals potential ideological divisions within the Democratic Party, particularly between establishment Democrats and more progressive or democratic socialist candidates.

The primary election will determine the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate seat in November 2026. It is unclear how strong the Dodson campaign will be, as Luján has access to unlimited party funds, however, it could force the far-left senator to expend resources and possibly offend moderates, despite Luján being one of the most far-left members of Congress, in both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate.

On the Republican side, Larry Marker of Chaves County has garnered enough write-in signatures to make the primary ballot, and will advance to the general election once he gathers enough write-in votes to place him there.

‘Democratic socialist’ makes ballot to challenge Ben Ray Luján in June primary Read More »

New PFAS rule to require companies to label products sold in NM

7 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

New Mexico is once again leading the nation in aggressive environmental regulation, this time approving a first-in-the-nation rule that will require warning labels on consumer products containing so-called “forever chemicals,” also known as PFAS.

The New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board voted Monday to approve a rule that will phase out PFAS in certain consumer products and require warning labels on others, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican. Products containing intentionally added PFAS will soon be required to carry a label warning consumers, with the labeling requirement expected to begin as early as January 2027.

The label will include a symbol — a conical flask icon with the acronym “PFAS” — intended to alert consumers that the product contains the chemicals. Environment Secretary James Kenney said the icon is meant to act as a universal warning symbol for shoppers. “That image will serve the universal language of identity and provide whoever is shopping the ability to understand what we’re trying to convey: There’s PFAS in this product,” Kenney said.

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are used in a wide range of products including waterproof clothing, nonstick cookware, food packaging, carpets, cosmetics, and cleaning products. The chemicals are known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the environment and can accumulate in the human body.

Under the new rule, some products containing PFAS — including cookware, food packaging, toys, dental floss, and firefighting foam — will be phased out starting in 2027. Other products such as cosmetics, carpets, and cleaning products will follow in later years, with the state ultimately aiming to eliminate PFAS from most consumer goods by 2032, according to a legal analysis published by the National Law Review.

But the most controversial part of the rule may be the labeling requirement itself. According to the National Law Review, New Mexico has become the first state in the country to require consumer-facing warning labels on all products containing PFAS, even if those products are otherwise exempt from phase-out requirements.

The legal publication warned that the labeling law could have major consequences for businesses and manufacturers. The rule “forces companies to answer the fundamental question of whether a product contains PFAS in less than ten months,” the analysis states, creating a compressed timeline for companies to test and disclose chemical content.

The publication also warned that the labels could expose companies to lawsuits, noting that plaintiff attorneys often use publicly disclosed chemical information to file consumer fraud, personal injury, and environmental lawsuits. There is “no reason to believe that the PFAS warning labels that New Mexico requires would not be monitored and tracked by the same attorneys,” the report states.

In other words, the labeling requirement may not just inform consumers — it could also create a roadmap for litigation.

Businesses throughout the supply chain are now being urged to evaluate their PFAS risk, as lawsuits related to PFAS contamination and product use are already increasing across the country.

Meanwhile, state health officials say there is currently no approved way to remove PFAS from the human body, meaning the only current recommendation is to reduce exposure.

The new rule represents a major regulatory expansion in New Mexico and could have wide-ranging effects on manufacturers, retailers, and consumers alike — from product availability to prices to potential legal battles — as the state moves forward with one of the most aggressive PFAS regulatory frameworks in the country.

New PFAS rule to require companies to label products sold in NM Read More »

Heinrich delivers ‘surprise’ vote on Trump DHS nominee

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U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, a Democrat often aligned with the party’s progressive wing, is drawing national attention after casting what he described as a “surprise” vote in favor of confirming President Donald Trump’s nominee, U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma, to serve as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

The U.S. Senate confirmed Mullin on March 23 in a 54–45 vote that was largely along party lines. Heinrich and U.S. Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania were the only two Democrats to vote in favor of the Trump nominee. All but one Republican supported Mullin, while Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky voted against the confirmation.

Heinrich had signaled his position ahead of the vote, releasing a statement explaining his decision and acknowledging that some would view his vote as unexpected given the highly partisan nature of the confirmation.

“This is going to surprise some people, but I consider Markwayne Mullin a friend,” Heinrich wrote.

In his statement, Heinrich said his decision was based largely on his working relationship with Mullin and the needs of New Mexico, particularly when it comes to border security and federal agencies operating in the state.

“I consider Markwayne a friend and someone with whom I have a very honest and constructive working relationship,” Heinrich said. He noted the two senators have worked together on bipartisan legislation, including the Tribal Buffalo Management Act and the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill.

Heinrich said that while he frequently disagrees with Mullin politically, he believes Mullin is independent and willing to stand up to pressure.

“I have also seen first-hand that Markwayne is not someone who can simply be bullied into changing his views,” Heinrich said. He added that he hopes Mullin will serve as a Homeland Security Secretary who does not “take their orders from Stephen Miller,” referring to the Trump adviser known for hardline immigration policies.

Heinrich framed his vote largely around New Mexico-specific concerns, noting that the state shares a long stretch of the U.S.-Mexico border and is home to hundreds of federal employees working for DHS agencies such as Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol, and the Transportation Security Administration.

He also said he has struggled to maintain a constructive relationship with DHS leadership in recent years and wants a secretary he can directly communicate with on issues affecting New Mexico.

Heinrich said he believes Mullin understands the need for a border strategy tailored to the Southwest’s “unique terrain” and supports a balance of infrastructure, technology, and personnel.

He also pointed to Mullin’s statements during his confirmation hearing indicating support for requiring judicial warrants in certain immigration enforcement actions, which Heinrich said was an important factor in his decision.

Despite Heinrich’s reasoning, the vote stood in sharp contrast to the overwhelming majority of Democrats, who opposed Mullin over concerns about immigration enforcement policies, qualifications, and the broader Trump administration agenda.

The confirmation was described by national media outlets as “mostly along party lines,” but Heinrich’s vote — along with Fetterman’s — gave the confirmation a small but notable bipartisan element, something that has become increasingly rare in modern cabinet confirmations.

Mullin, a sitting U.S. senator prior to his confirmation, was known for having personal relationships across the aisle, which analysts say may have helped him secure the two Democratic votes.

Heinrich’s vote is likely to draw scrutiny from both sides of the political aisle, as Democrats continue to oppose Trump’s immigration policies while border security remains a major issue in New Mexico and across the Southwest.

Regardless of the political reaction, Heinrich’s vote marked one of the few instances of a Democrat supporting a Trump cabinet nominee, making it a notable break from party-line voting and one that quickly drew national attention.

Heinrich delivers ‘surprise’ vote on Trump DHS nominee Read More »

NM makes national news over gaps in Epstein ‘Truth Commission’ probe

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New Mexico is once again making national headlines after reports surfaced raising questions about the apparent lack of action by the state’s so-called “Truth Commission” tasked with investigating Jeffrey Epstein’s activities tied to Zorro Ranch.

National media coverage this week highlighted renewed scrutiny surrounding Epstein’s New Mexico property and whether state agencies and officials failed to properly investigate allegations tied to the ranch for years. The reports have also brought attention to concerns from New Mexico lawmakers that the Truth Commission may not be fully pursuing the scope of its investigation as required under House Resolution 1.

In a recent national television interview, Rep. Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park) said the commission’s responsibility is clear and cannot be limited to a narrow review.

“This commission has a job, and it’s very simple. They have to follow the evidence wherever it leads. They can’t ignore anything,” Lord said on Newsmax. “They have to make sure that everybody that was involved in Epstein’s world was accountable. He did not operate in a vacuum. There were breakdowns on multiple levels of government.”

“If Jeffrey Epstein moved to New Mexico today, we do not have a state law — we have failed to pass a state law — that would require him to register in our state,” Dow said.

Lord also raised questions about why Epstein was not required to register as a sex offender in New Mexico and whether investigations were delayed or shut down.

“We need to know why was he not a registered sex offender in New Mexico? Were there any investigations delayed or shut down, and did anyone have any influence or connections in this role of why this wasn’t investigated thoroughly?” she said.

The renewed national attention comes as lawmakers formally requested that the Truth Commission expand its investigation beyond individual acts to include systemic failures in government oversight, law enforcement, and policy.

In a formal letter to the commission, Reps. Lord and Rebecca Dow (R-Truth or Consequences – House GOP Caucus Chair) wrote that the investigation must include “institutional, legal, and procedural failures that may have contributed to an environment in which misconduct could persist without sufficient scrutiny or intervention.”

The letter specifically calls for an examination of legislative efforts related to sex offender registration laws, law enforcement and prosecutorial actions or inaction, interagency coordination failures, and whether conflicts of interest or political influence played a role in the lack of action surrounding Epstein’s activities in New Mexico.

In a press release accompanying the request, Rep. Lord said the public deserves answers if people in positions of authority failed to act.

“If those in power had the ability to act and chose not to, the public deserves to know why and whether money or relationships influenced that inaction. This investigation must follow the truth, not protect the powerful,” Lord said.

The press release also emphasized that the Truth Commission was created not just to investigate past wrongdoing, but to identify systemic failures and prevent similar crimes from happening in the future.

Despite the commission’s broad mandate under House Resolution 1 — which includes promoting transparency, protecting vulnerable populations, and ensuring accountability — critics say little visible progress has been made publicly, even as national reports continue to raise new questions about Epstein’s activities in New Mexico and whether opportunities to investigate were missed.

Lawmakers say the stakes go beyond Epstein himself and focus on whether New Mexico’s institutions failed to protect victims and hold powerful individuals accountable.

“The main thing is we cannot allow this to be a surface level investigation,” Lord said in the interview. “They need to go all the way, follow every single lead and make sure that everyone involved is held responsible.”

As national attention grows, pressure is likely to increase on the Truth Commission to show results and demonstrate that its investigation is moving forward — and that New Mexico is willing to fully examine how Epstein was able to operate in the state for years without greater scrutiny.

Watch the Newsmax interview here:

NM makes national news over gaps in Epstein ‘Truth Commission’ probe Read More »

New study ranks the best states for doctors — What about NM?

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As National Doctors’ Day approaches on March 30, a new report from personal finance website WalletHub ranks New Mexico among the worst states in the nation for physicians, highlighting ongoing challenges in attracting and retaining medical professionals in the state.

WalletHub’s 2026 report on the Best and Worst States for Doctors placed New Mexico 45th overall, putting it near the bottom nationally. The rankings evaluated all 50 states and the District of Columbia across 19 key metrics, including physicians’ average annual wages, hospitals per capita, malpractice insurance costs, physician burnout rates, and the quality of each state’s public hospital system.

While family physicians earn an average annual salary of around $238,000 nationwide, the WalletHub study suggests that financial opportunity alone does not determine where doctors choose to practice. Instead, the report found that working conditions, insurance costs, and healthcare infrastructure play a major role in determining which states are most attractive to medical professionals.

According to the report, the top 10 best states for doctors in 2026 are Montana, Indiana, Louisiana, South Dakota, Minnesota, North Dakota, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Many of these states ranked highly due to lower malpractice insurance costs, strong hospital systems, and higher average wages when adjusted for cost of living.

By contrast, the worst-performing states were Vermont, Maryland, Oregon, New Mexico, Illinois, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and New York. New Mexico’s low ranking reflects long-standing issues in the state’s healthcare system, including doctor shortages, rural access challenges, and high malpractice insurance costs, which have been cited by medical professionals as barriers to practicing in the state.

WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said that where doctors choose to practice can have a major impact not only on their own financial success but also on patient outcomes and access to care.

“Setting up a practice in one of the best states for doctors can have a profound effect on your medical career,” Lupo said. “Not only will you be working in top-quality medical facilities and earning high salaries, you’ll be less likely to burn out, and pay less for malpractice insurance. Meanwhile, residents living in one of the best states for doctors will have access to quality healthcare at a reasonable cost.”

The report also highlighted several key national comparisons. Louisiana has the highest average annual wage for surgeons when adjusted for cost of living—three times higher than in the District of Columbia, which has the lowest. Mississippi has the lowest number of physicians per 1,000 residents, while the District of Columbia has the highest. Nebraska has the lowest annual malpractice liability insurance rates, at more than eight times lower than rates in New York, which are the highest in the country.

New Mexico’s low ranking comes as the state continues to struggle with physician shortages, particularly in rural areas, and as policymakers debate changes to malpractice laws, healthcare funding, and medical education programs aimed at keeping more doctors in the state.

The WalletHub report notes that states with strong hospital systems, lower insurance costs, and better working conditions tend to retain more medical residents and experience lower physician burnout rates—factors that ultimately improve healthcare access for residents.

The full WalletHub report, including methodology and state-by-state rankings, is available on the organization’s website.

New study ranks the best states for doctors — What about NM? Read More »

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