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Feds indict 11 Tren de Aragua gang members in brutal ABQ murder case

11 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Federal prosecutors in New Mexico have unsealed a sweeping racketeering indictment against 11 alleged members and leaders of the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, accusing the group of murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, sex trafficking, and firearms crimes carried out across New Mexico and beyond.

According to the indictment, the defendants are accused of operating Tren de Aragua (TdA) as a transnational criminal enterprise that used intimidation, brutality, and organized violence to maintain control, enforce loyalty, and generate profits through narcotics and human exploitation. Federal prosecutors allege the gang’s activities culminated in the kidnapping, interrogation, and execution-style killing of a victim inside an Albuquerque apartment in June 2024, followed by the disposal of the body in a remote desert grave.

Court records describe Tren de Aragua as an organization that “engaged in criminal activities, including murder, drug trafficking, robbery, human smuggling, and sex trafficking,” operating not only in New Mexico but across the Western Hemisphere. The indictment states the enterprise relied on violence to “preserve, promote, and protect the power, territory, and profits of the enterprise through intimidation and violence,” including murder and kidnapping.

Prosecutors allege that Henderson Yofre Mavo Finol, 39, and Adan Jose Ramirez Sanchez, 38—both Venezuelan nationals illegally present in the United States—served as leaders of the TdA enterprise. According to the indictment, the two directed subordinates to kidnap a victim identified as John Doe 1, who was lured to an apartment at the Peaks at Sandia View complex in Albuquerque. Once there, gang members allegedly restrained him, beat him with a firearm, and interrogated him during a conference call involving TdA leaders inside and outside the United States.

The indictment alleges that after questioning the victim about his loyalty and suspected ties to rival gangs, a TdA leader ordered his execution. Several defendants are accused of strangling the victim to death, photographing his body, and sending images to gang leadership to confirm the killing had been carried out as directed. Other defendants allegedly cleaned the crime scene, transported the body in luggage, and buried it in a remote area of New Mexico.

Federal prosecutors further allege the enterprise was deeply involved in drug trafficking, including cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, MDMA, ketamine, marijuana, and “tusi,” a synthetic drug mixture popular in Venezuela. Search warrants executed in Albuquerque allegedly uncovered firearms, extended magazines, ammunition, drug manufacturing equipment, and fraudulent immigration documents.

The indictment also details a separate armed confrontation in Aurora, Colorado, in August 2024, where rival groups exchanged gunfire, resulting in the death of a second victim.

If convicted, the defendants face penalties of up to life in federal prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison announced the case on behalf of the Homeland Security Task Force, which is operating under Executive Order 14159, titled Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The initiative directs federal agencies to dismantle foreign criminal gangs and remove violent criminal aliens from the United States.

The prosecution aligns with President Donald Trump’s renewed pledge to aggressively target transnational gangs like Tren de Aragua, which federal officials say have exploited weak border enforcement to flood American communities with drugs, weapons, and violence. Trump has repeatedly vowed to use the full power of federal law enforcement to dismantle cartel and gang networks operating on U.S. soil and to prioritize the removal of violent criminal aliens.

The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico with assistance from the Department of Justice’s Joint Task Force Vulcan and numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

Federal officials emphasized that the indictment is an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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Yvette Herrell confirmed for major role in President Trump’s USDA

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PIÑON POST EXCLUSIVE —Former New Mexico Congresswoman Yvette Herrell was confirmed Thursday night as Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Congressional Affairs, securing a key role in the Donald Trump administration as the U.S. Senate confirmed roughly 100 nominees in a late confirmation push in a 53-43 vote.

In an exclusive statement to the Piñon Post, Assistant Sec. Herrell wrote, “It’s a tremendous honor to be officially confirmed by the United States Senate, and I am grateful for the trust placed in me by President Trump and Secretary Rollins. I look forward to hitting the ground running in this position as we work to deliver on President Trump’s priorities for American agriculture!” 

Herrell, who represented New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District from 2021 to 2023, was confirmed following months of committee consideration. During her confirmation hearing in early November, her nomination was advanced by the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry on a 13–10 vote, reflecting partisan divisions but enough support to move her nomination to the full Senate.

The position places Herrell at the center of congressional relations for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one of the federal government’s largest agencies. USDA employs nearly 100,000 people nationwide and oversees major divisions including the U.S. Forest Service, rural development programs, nutrition assistance, agricultural research, and conservation initiatives. As assistant secretary for congressional affairs, Herrell will serve as a primary liaison between USDA leadership and lawmakers on Capitol Hill, helping shepherd legislation, budget priorities, and policy initiatives through Congress.

Herrell replaces Adrienne Wojciechowski, who stepped down in January after President Trump took office. The department is currently led by Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, who has signaled a shift in federal land and agriculture policy under the Trump administration. During a June meeting of the Western Governors Association in Santa Fe, Rollins announced plans to repeal a rule that prohibits road construction and logging on roughly 91,000 square miles of U.S. Forest Service land, a move closely watched in Western states like New Mexico where federal land management plays an outsized role in local economies.

Herrell brings both legislative and policy experience to the post. During her tenure in Congress, she served on committees and caucuses focused on border security, energy development, agriculture, and rural issues. Representing a district that spans southern New Mexico—from Las Cruces to Carlsbad and the Permian Basin—Herrell frequently emphasized support for farmers, ranchers, oil and gas producers, and small businesses, while opposing what she characterized as federal overreach affecting land use and energy production.

Before her time in Congress, Herrell served four terms in the New Mexico House of Representatives, representing Alamogordo. Supporters argue her background positions her well to navigate the often-contentious relationship between Congress and federal agencies, particularly at a department as expansive and politically sensitive as USDA.

Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-Ark.) praised the Senate’s confirmation efforts, highlighting the significance of filling leadership posts at the department. “The Senate confirmed a historic number of administration officials this year including 12 leaders to key USDA roles,” Boozman said in a statement. “We are eager to work together in support of farmers and a stronger rural America.”

“We are thrilled for Yvette and incredibly proud that she will continue representing New Mexicans at the federal level, just as she has done throughout her past,” said Republican Party of New Mexico Chairwoman Amy Barela following Herrell’s confirmation. “President Trump’s second term has already delivered unprecedented accomplishments, and with the addition of Yvette Herrell at USDA, I am confident that momentum will only continue. Her deep roots in Southern New Mexico give her a firsthand understanding of the agricultural, rural, and economic issues facing our state, making her exceptionally well suited to serve in this role.”

Herrell’s confirmation is being viewed by many Republicans as a notable return to federal leadership for New Mexico, particularly for southern New Mexico, which has long sought stronger representation in national agricultural and land management policy. With debates looming over forest management, rural development, nutrition programs, and federal land use, Herrell is expected to play a central role in advancing the administration’s priorities on Capitol Hill.

Yvette Herrell confirmed for major role in President Trump’s USDA Read More »

Darren White doesn’t hold back as NM National Guard exits Keller’s ABQ

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Former Albuquerque mayoral candidate and two-term Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White is sounding the alarm as the New Mexico National Guard prepares to leave Albuquerque—arguing that the city remains dangerously unsafe and that officials are declaring victory far too soon.

White reacted sharply on X to news that the Guard’s six-month deployment is ending, writing: “So, was it Mission Accomplished, or the election is over?” His comment cut to the heart of growing skepticism over whether Operation Zia Shield actually solved anything—or merely provided temporary political cover.

According to KOB 4, the National Guard deployment, which began in June and involved roughly 70 Guard members, officially concludes this week. The Guard was tasked with administrative and logistical support so Albuquerque Police Department officers could focus on patrols and arrests .

APD Chief Harold Medina said the operation achieved its limited goal but stressed it was never intended as a long-term fix. “The deployment helped free officers to do enforcement work,” Medina told KOB 4, adding that it exposed deeper, systemic failures within New Mexico’s criminal justice system .

City leaders point to improved crime statistics during the deployment, including a reported 34% decrease in homicides compared to this time last year, along with significant increases in arrests . Mayor Tim Keller defended the Guard’s presence, saying, “No one is saying this was a magic solution to our deep-seated problems,” but argued it helped APD .

Yet on the ground, Albuquerque continues to see shocking acts of violence—particularly along Central Avenue, the very corridor the Guard was meant to stabilize.

Just days before the Guard’s exit, Albuquerque Police charged 56-year-old Bernest Benjamin with open count murder after a fatal stabbing near the ART bus platform at Central Avenue and Louisiana Boulevard SE, according to detailed reporting by ABQ Raw . Investigators allege Benjamin followed the victim off a city bus and stabbed him in the chest in full view of witnesses and surveillance cameras. The victim collapsed and died in the roadway.

Even more troubling, ABQ Raw reports Benjamin is no stranger to violent crime. He previously pleaded no contest to involuntary manslaughter in 2019 and had been repeatedly released under New Mexico’s pretrial release system despite being classified as a high risk to reoffend . A warrant for violating release conditions was issued roughly 35 hours before the murder, raising serious questions about systemic failures.

Another incident underscores the city’s ongoing instability. According to ABQ Raw, police arrested 33-year-old Trevarius Money after he allegedly started a fire near a business on 3rd Street NW—setting cardboard ablaze to keep warm, which then spread and damaged the building . The property owner told police he has dealt with repeated fires caused by transient individuals. Despite prior arrests and a lengthy criminal history, Money was issued a criminal trespass notice rather than jailed.

Even Chief Medina acknowledged that Central Avenue remains in crisis. “Does Central look better? No,” he said, according to KOB 4, emphasizing that officers are arresting more people than prosecutors and courts can handle under current law .

White’s critique reflects what many Albuquerque residents feel daily: National Guard support may have improved paperwork and patrol capacity, but it did not fix the revolving-door justice system, unchecked homelessness, or violent repeat offenders roaming the streets.

As the Guard leaves and politicians tout statistics, real-world violence continues—fueling fears that Albuquerque is once again being left to fend for itself in a system many say is fundamentally broken.

Darren White doesn’t hold back as NM National Guard exits Keller’s ABQ Read More »

Cervantes has wild defense for blocking interstate medical compacts

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PIÑON POST EXCLUSIVE — Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Joseph Cervantes, a Las Cruces Democrat and longtime trial attorney, is facing renewed scrutiny after the Albuquerque Journal sharply criticized the failure of New Mexico to join interstate medical licensure compacts — and after Cervantes circulated a defensive, lengthy email attempting to explain away his role in delaying the legislation.

The medical compacts, which allow doctors and other licensed health care professionals to practice across state lines while remaining subject to state discipline, have been adopted by more than 40 states. New Mexico, which consistently ranks among the worst states in the nation for physician shortages, particularly in rural areas, remains on the sidelines.

While the Journal editorial focused heavily on trial lawyer–funded advocacy groups that refuse to support the compacts, Cervantes quickly emerged as the central political figure attempting to justify why New Mexico has failed to act.

In an email exclusively obtained by the Piñon Post sent broadly to critics — and copied to the entire Legislature — Cervantes argued that concerns over abortion, “gender-affirming care,” and legislative authority justified delays. He claimed that earlier versions of the compact would have allowed interstate commissions to supersede state law, stating that “any and all state laws… would be subordinate to Commission rules and policies.”

That assertion raised eyebrows among health care reform advocates, who note that dozens of states with widely varying abortion and health care laws have already joined the compacts without surrendering sovereignty. Cervantes conceded in his email that the compact commission has since agreed to accept New Mexico’s requested amendments — undercutting the rationale for continued resistance.

“I am optimistic we will see this compact passed,” Cervantes wrote, despite years of legislative inaction and stalled momentum.

Cervantes also claimed that compacts unfairly restrict a state’s ability to withdraw, writing that “New Mexico should not surrender the Legislature’s role,” and asserting that this provision is also being changed. Critics counter that interstate compacts routinely include withdrawal provisions and that New Mexico participates in many similar agreements without controversy.

Perhaps most striking was Cervantes’ argument that the compact may not significantly increase access to providers because New Mexico already enacted an expedited licensing law years ago — a law he acknowledged “has not been used much by doctors.”

That admission has fueled criticism that Cervantes is effectively conceding failure while arguing against the one reform most experts believe would actually work.

“Adoption of the Compact will no doubt be helpful to access healthcare and particularly by telemedicine,” Cervantes wrote — an acknowledgment that stands in direct tension with his years of hesitation.

Cervantes also pushed back against accusations that he blocked the legislation, insisting he scheduled hearings and that the bill passed his committee. However, reform advocates note that as Judiciary chair — and a plaintiff attorney whose industry benefits from the current malpractice system — Cervantes has wielded enormous influence over whether the legislation ever gained real traction.

The Journal editorial was blunt: silence and obstruction from trial lawyer–aligned figures have consequences. Families continue driving out of state for specialty care. Patients wait months for appointments. Rural hospitals struggle to recruit doctors.

Cervantes closed his email by lamenting that the issue has been “oversimplified for mass consumption,” adding that it “doesn’t fit on a bumper sticker.”

But for New Mexicans unable to find a doctor, the issue is not abstract or academic — and increasingly, patience with excuses appears to be running out.

Cervantes has wild defense for blocking interstate medical compacts Read More »

Duke Rodriguez latest Republican to jump into race for governor

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Duke Rodriguez, a longtime New Mexico healthcare executive and entrepreneur, officially launched his campaign for governor on Monday, entering the 2026 Republican primary with a message focused on management reform, government accountability, and fixing what he says is a “poorly run” state.

Rodriguez, who previously served as Secretary of the Human Services Department under Gov. Gary Johnson, framed his candidacy around real-world experience and a track record in restructuring large systems. Speaking from Albuquerque, he said New Mexico’s persistent struggles stem not from a lack of resources, but from failures in leadership.

“New Mexico is not a poor state. It’s a poorly run state — and families feel that failure every day,” Rodriguez said, adding that his roots in the state and professional background shaped his decision to run. “I grew up here, built my career here, and raised my family here. I know what it means to work in the fields and to work your way up.”

Rodriguez began his professional ascent in the healthcare sector, eventually becoming Chief Operating Officer of Lovelace Health System, then the state’s largest hospital network. In the Johnson administration, he helped design and implement major changes to New Mexico’s Medicaid program. More recently, he founded Ultra Health, which grew into the state’s largest medical cannabis company, operating under some of the most complex regulatory and economic conditions in the industry.

Throughout his announcement, Rodriguez emphasized that New Mexico’s problems require hands-on problem solving, not political talking points. “I’ve led healthcare systems, reformed Medicaid, and managed large, complex budgets,” he said. “I understand the difference between promises and performance. New Mexico doesn’t need more slogans. It needs leadership that knows how systems actually work.”

He also signaled that his campaign will lean heavily on blunt, direct messaging — even when that approach risks criticism. “I respect voters enough to tell them the truth,” Rodriguez said. “You may not agree with everything I say, but I will never insult you with a kind lie.”

The candidate laid out several priorities he would pursue if elected, including rebuilding public trust in state government, improving health care access and affordability, increasing educational performance, tackling crime and homelessness, and addressing what he calls long-ignored fiscal threats — such as the state’s underfunded pension systems.

Rodriguez argued that Republicans will need to broaden their appeal to win in 2026. “If doing things the same way worked, Republicans would have won the Governor’s Office by now,” he said. He called for a coalition that includes independents, moderates, and working families who feel underserved by both parties. “Responsibility and results shouldn’t be partisan.”

He ended his announcement with a message directly to voters, pledging to spend the next year traveling the state and engaging in candid conversations. “I’m not asking for blind loyalty or blind donations,” Rodriguez said. “I’m asking you to run with me — to put people first, tell the truth, and make life in New Mexico better, not bitter.”The campaign launched the website www.RunWithDuke.com and social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and X under the handle @DukeForNM.

Duke Rodriguez latest Republican to jump into race for governor Read More »

AG Torrez moves to crush private investment in NM energy sector

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New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez is once again flexing government power to interfere with private-sector investment—this time targeting the proposed sale of New Mexico Gas Company (NMGCO) to Bernhard Capital Partners, a private-equity firm seeking to purchase the utility for nearly $1.3 billion. Instead of welcoming capital that could modernize the state’s aging energy infrastructure, Torrez is urging the Public Regulation Commission (PRC) to either reject the sale outright or saddle it with a long list of regulatory conditions that would make any future investor think twice before doing business in New Mexico.

In a post-hearing brief filed this week, Torrez insisted the deal poses “real risks of higher rates, reduced transparency, and long-term financial instability,” claiming that regulators must deny the transaction unless it adopts sweeping state-directed mandates. His position mirrors a broader trend within New Mexico’s political leadership—treating private investment as suspect while expanding government control over utilities.

Torrez is calling for expansive new requirements: mandated low-income rate credits, PRC approval for utility asset sales, strict government oversight over internal IT and administrative systems, and the creation of a state-managed “severe weather reliability fund.” He frames these as consumer protections, though New Mexico’s heavily regulated utility environment has already produced high energy costs and slow modernization—problems unlikely to be solved by more bureaucracy.

Meanwhile, Bernhard Capital Partners has pledged more than $87 million in benefits for customers and communities, including $22 million in customer credits, millions in charitable investments, and funding for economic development and workforce initiatives. Rather than acknowledge these commitments, Torrez continues to portray the firm as a threat based largely on ideological opposition to private ownership.

Torrez’s intervention follows a familiar pattern. For years, progressive officials and advocacy groups have opposed private-sector involvement in New Mexico’s energy landscape, insisting that government supervision—despite its failures—is the only acceptable model. His latest filing shows no willingness to consider that private capital could improve service quality, infrastructure reliability, or economic development.

The PRC will now review filings from all parties before issuing a final decision. At stake is whether New Mexico moves toward modernization through private investment or remains locked in a stagnant, government-dominated system that has struggled to keep pace with regional energy needs. Torrez’s aggressive posture suggests he is more interested in expanding regulatory power than improving outcomes for the 549,000 customers who rely on the state’s largest natural gas provider.

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Medina just gave ABQ a preview of four more years of Keller—and it’s not pretty

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Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller secured a third term Tuesday night, defeating Republican challenger Darren White in a closely watched runoff election that laid bare deep divisions over public safety and governance in the city. 

Within hours of the election’s conclusion, Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina ignited fresh controversy by posting a message on the official Albuquerque Police Department X account addressed to White: “@darrenPwhite guess I get to retire on my own terms. Have a good life.” The terse post struck many observers as an inappropriate use of an official law-enforcement channel to comment on an election outcome. 

White, a former Bernalillo County Sheriff who ran on a platform centered on restoring law and order, did not hold back in his response. “While you’re using your city Twitter account to spike the political football — too bad the driver you recklessly crashed into and left with permanent, life-changing injuries, doesn’t get to retire on his own terms,” White wrote in a reply that quickly circulated online. His comment revived longstanding criticism of Medina’s leadership and questions about accountability. 

Medina’s social media conduct has drawn fire before. City leaders and residents have previously complained about posts perceived as unprofessional or combative from APD’s X presence, leading to public reprimands from City Council members who said the behavior strained relations with the community. 

The flashpoint over Medina’s conduct comes amid continued scrutiny over a February 2024 crash in which the police chief ran a red light while responding to what he said was nearby gunfire, striking another vehicle and critically injuring the driver, Todd Perchert. An internal investigation found Medina failed to activate his body camera and did not safely operate his vehicle, resulting in letters of reprimand placed in his personnel file. 

Perchert’s life was dramatically affected: the crash left him hospitalized and undergoing significant recovery. A civil lawsuit filed against Medina and the City of Albuquerque alleges that the chief’s actions were reckless and caused severe harm — a suit that a judge recently reinstated for further hearings. 

Critics argue that Keller’s embrace of Medina after the collision helped embolden the chief’s unchecked behavior. In the immediate aftermath of the crash, Keller publicly portrayed Medina’s actions as heroic, a characterization that drew ire from residents and watchdogs who saw the incident as negligence, not valor.

For White and his supporters, the tweet controversy underscores their broader critique of Keller’s leadership. Throughout the election, White hammered Keller for what he described as a permissive approach to homelessness, crime, and enforcement that left Albuquerque feeling unsafe to many residents. Polling and debate coverage showed public frustration with violent crime rates and social disorder, even as Keller cited statistical declines in certain categories. 

As Keller prepares for another four-year term, questions about public safety, accountability, and the tone of official communications will likely remain at the forefront of Albuquerque politics. But one thing is clear: Keller is refusing to fire Medina.

Medina just gave ABQ a preview of four more years of Keller—and it’s not pretty Read More »

Despite crime crisis, Keller wins runoff — ABQ braces for another term of turmoil

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Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller secured reelection Tuesday night, defeating former Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White in a high-stakes runoff that many voters hoped would chart a new direction for a city plagued by violent crime, surging homelessness, and chronic mismanagement. But by 8:34 p.m., the results were clear: Keller prevailed with 58.6%, while White received 41.4% — returning Keller to office for a third term and guaranteeing four more years of the same far-left policies that have become synonymous with his administration.

The outcome came after weeks of intense campaigning, heavy early-voting turnout, and a mayoral contest that at times veered into controversy. According to the Bernalillo County Clerk’s Office, 112,496 voters had cast ballots by 4 p.m. on Election Day, representing roughly 30.8% of registered voters. Nearly 83,000 of those were early or absentee ballots — a sign of strong public engagement in a race many believed would determine whether Albuquerque continued down its current path or attempted a course correction.

White’s supporters gathered at the Courtyard by Marriott Albuquerque hotel Tuesday evening, joined by elected officials such as House Minority Leader Gail Armstrong, R-Magdalena, and former mayoral candidate Eddie Varela. The atmosphere was energetic yet tense as the results rolled in, with White greeting attendees in a blue suit and offering thanks for their commitment to a campaign built on public safety, accountability, and restoring order to a city that has seen record homicide rates and escalating street disorder under Keller’s leadership.

The runoff followed weeks of unusual political drama — including a bizarre incident in which dozens of homeless individuals were photographed wearing yellow “I ♥ Tim Keller” sweatshirts distributed anonymously along Central Avenue. Keller’s campaign alleged the sweatshirts were an illegal “cruel political stunt,” filing an ethics complaint demanding an investigation into who paid for them. The episode added yet another layer of confusion and frustration to a race already dominated by concerns over the city’s aggressive spending, homelessness policies, and the $1.6 million price tag of the runoff election itself, which reignited calls for adopting ranked-choice voting.

Throughout the campaign, White emphasized the failures of Keller’s tenure: record crime, sweeping homelessness encampments, deteriorating infrastructure, and what he described as leadership more focused on progressive posturing than practical governance. Keller, by contrast, leaned heavily on incumbent advantages, broad mail-in support, and an entrenched political base.

With Tuesday’s final tally, Albuquerque now faces four more years of Keller’s approach, despite the city’s continued struggles with violent crime, widespread street homelessness, and costly municipal missteps. Whether voters will see meaningful change — or simply more of the same — remains to be seen. But the message from City Hall is unmistakable: the direction of the past eight years will continue, for better or for worse.

As of publishing incumbent City Councilor Klarissa Peña was leading challenger Teresa Garcia by 123 votes in the Third District, while Joshua Neal (40.2%) trailed Stephanie Telles (59.8%) in the First District, as of publishing. 

Despite crime crisis, Keller wins runoff — ABQ braces for another term of turmoil Read More »

Sens. Sanders and Warren try to torpedo $11.5B investment in NM energy

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A trio of far-left U.S. senators is sounding the alarm — again — this time over a major private-sector investment that would inject billions into New Mexico’s energy infrastructure. According to the Albuquerque Journal, which broke the story, Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Bernie Sanders of Vermont, and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut are urging federal scrutiny of Blackstone Infrastructure’s proposed $11.5 billion acquisition of TXNM Energy Inc., the parent company of PNM and Texas-New Mexico Power.

The letter, authored by longtime opponents of free-market energy investment, was sent to Blackstone CEO Stephen Schwarzman and accused the firm of trying to “profit from rising energy demands at the expense of consumers,” according to reporting by the Journal.

“Investors have typically viewed utility companies as reliable investments with a guaranteed rate of return,” the senators wrote. “But now, amidst rapidly rising energy use from (artificial intelligence) data centers and other strains on the grid, Wall Street investors and private equity firms appear to be taking advantage of utilities’ regulated-monopoly status to rake in excess profits.”

Despite the senators’ objections, the proposed acquisition would bring long-term private capital into a grid that many experts agree is overdue for modernization. TXNM Energy, currently a publicly traded company, would become privately held under the deal. PNM — which serves roughly 550,000 New Mexicans — is already facing mounting challenges due to rapid population growth, new housing, and the rising power demands of large-scale data centers.

A Blackstone spokesperson told the Journal that private ownership would allow for long-term investments in critical infrastructure “without the pressure of short-term quarterly metrics.” They emphasized that private capital has been supporting utility improvements for over two decades, and that any deal must pass rigorous state, local, and federal review processes proving tangible consumer benefits.

The senators demanded that Blackstone disclose whether rates would rise under its ownership or if job cuts would be made “to meet investor targets.” They cited a decade-old acquisition in Michigan that allegedly caused modest rate increases. Blackstone was asked to respond by December 18.

However, both PNM and Blackstone noted that rate-setting authority will remain solely with the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission — not private shareholders. The firm has pledged $105 million in rate credits over four years, which could reduce average residential bills by approximately 3.5%. Blackstone also committed to retaining the local workforce and keeping PNM’s headquarters in New Mexico.

PNM continues to pursue delayed infrastructure upgrades to meet demand. Just last week, the Bernalillo County Planning Commission approved key applications for its long-anticipated North Albuquerque Acres Substation — a project nearly eight years in the making.

Warren and Sanders also attempted to tie the acquisition to Blackstone’s ownership of QTS Realty Trust, a major data center operator. Their letter cited projections from the International Energy Agency suggesting global electricity demand could rise by 130% by 2030, much of it driven by data center operations.

New Mexico has already become a target for major tech-sector energy users. Among recent proposals:

  • Project Jupiter in Doña Ana County, selected as a site in the $500 billion Stargate Project led by OpenAI and Oracle
  • A proposed 8,400-acre facility by Zenith Volts Corp. in Chaves County
  • A 3,500-acre data campus sought by New Era Energy & Digital Inc. in Lea County

Blackstone has rejected any connection between its data center investments and the TXNM acquisition. “There is absolutely no connection,” a spokesperson told the Journal, adding that the firm’s interest is based solely on its confidence in TXNM, its leadership, and the economic growth of New Mexico and Texas.

As New Mexico faces a growing energy crunch, the senators’ criticism reflects a broader ideological resistance to private capital playing a role in public utilities. While Blackstone proposes billions in upgrades and consumer savings, progressive lawmakers continue to vilify the very investment that could help modernize and stabilize the state’s power grid.

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NM spending exploded 80% since 2019: Now revenues are tapping the brakes

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New Mexico’s long run of rapid revenue growth appears to be slowing, according to a new financial outlook presented to lawmakers this week.

Economists from the Consensus Revenue Estimating Group — representing three state agencies and the Legislative Finance Committee — delivered an updated forecast Monday that one legislator described as “very sobering.”

Wayne Propst, secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration, told lawmakers that the state’s cushion of “new money” has dropped sharply from earlier expectations.

“The total new money projection has been revised downward from the August forecast,” Propst said. “We were projecting $484.8 million in total new money… That has been revised downward to $105.7 million in total new money available to be appropriated when you convene in January.”

The adjustment reflects reduced projections in several major revenue categories, though lawmakers will still have substantial one-time resources available. Propst noted the state expects about $2.8 billion in nonrecurring dollars for the upcoming budget process. “It’s money that will be available for you to appropriate… as nonrecurring in fiscal year 2027,” he said, typically used for special projects, capital investments, or one-time appropriations.

The latest estimate also shows New Mexico will collect about $13.4 billion in recurring revenue during the fiscal year ending June 2026 — roughly $212.6 million less than the previous year and below the growth originally forecast in August. Lower oil prices and fluctuations in corporate income tax collections contributed to the adjustment.

Still, Rep. Nathan Small, D-Las Cruces, who chairs the LFC, urged lawmakers to remain grounded but not alarmed. “This is not a doom forecast, but it is a very sobering forecast,” he told colleagues.

A significant one-time boost — roughly $511.9 million from State Land Office lease and royalty activity — helped offset the softer recurring outlook.

Propst emphasized that, compared to other states now facing deficits, New Mexico remains financially stable. “Even in a worst-case low oil price scenario, we are still in a position where we’re not needing to look at recurring appropriation expenditure reductions,” he said.

The broader context includes several years of unprecedented growth fueled by the boom in the Permian Basin. LFC Director Charles Sallee noted last week that state spending has increased by roughly 80% since 2019, supporting major initiatives such as tuition-free college, pay raises, and substantial deposits into long-term trust funds. New Mexico now has more than $64 billion across various investment funds — the second-largest structure of its kind in the nation.

With production expected to plateau in coming years, Sallee said lawmakers must ensure that the investments made during the boom years deliver measurable returns. “We’ve got to make those investments count,” he said.

Several legislators suggested Monday that the tightening revenue picture may limit discussions about tax cuts or tax code changes during the 30-day session. “While we’ve done a great job, maybe this is not the year to have a tax package discussion,” said Rep. Derrick Lente, D-Sandia Pueblo.

Longer-term forecasts remain positive, with recurring revenues projected to reach approximately $14.4 billion by fiscal year 2028.

The revenue estimates — updated twice annually by executive and legislative economists — serve as the foundation for budget drafting during the upcoming session.

Lawmakers also discussed potential impacts of federal budget changes and national economic conditions, though analysts stressed that New Mexico remains well positioned due to its reserves and long-term investments. Officials are continuing to study how federal funding adjustments may affect major state programs, including health care and safety-net services.

Two special sessions were held this fall to address related fiscal considerations.

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