Politics

Trump arrests Venezuelan dictator Maduro, NM Dems lose their minds

26 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

New Mexicans across the political spectrum reacted swiftly and sharply Saturday following confirmation that U.S. forces captured Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro and his wife in a dramatic overnight operation in Caracas—an event that immediately ignited debate in Washington and reverberated throughout the Land of Enchantment.

President Donald Trump announced the successful operation early Saturday, stating that U.S. military and law-enforcement personnel worked in coordination to take Maduro into custody and remove him from Venezuela. The White House said additional details would be released later in the day. Reports from international outlets indicated multiple explosions in Caracas and the presence of U.S. special operations aircraft in the early morning hours, including the potential elimination of the Mausoleum of Hugo Chávez in Caracas.

In New Mexico, Democrat members of the state’s congressional delegation were quick to condemn the action as unlawful and dangerous. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández blasted the operation in a series of posts on X, accusing President Trump of misplaced priorities and misleading the public.

“Americans don’t want a military intervention in a foreign country—we want affordable healthcare and housing,” Leger Fernández wrote, arguing that the president acted without congressional authorization. While acknowledging that Maduro is “a dictator and narco criminal,” she accused Trump of hypocrisy, citing past pardons of drug offenders and claiming Republicans in Congress should be “outraged” by the lack of consultation.

Rep. Melanie Stansbury echoed those criticisms, asserting that the strikes were unconstitutional and demanding immediate congressional action. “The President does not have the authority to declare war or undertake large-scale military operations without Congress,” Stansbury wrote. She also amplified comments from Massachusetts Democrat James McGovern, who claimed the operation lacked public support and questioned the administration’s spending priorities.

As of Saturday morning, other prominent New Mexico Democrats—including Sens. Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján, as well as Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham—had not yet issued public statements.

Republican reaction in New Mexico was notably different. State Rep. John Block of Alamogordo, who is also the editor of the Piñon Post, celebrated the news on social media, reposting President Trump’s announcement and writing, “I LOVE THIS!!!!!” In another post, Block shared an image of Maduro’s capture alongside the comment, “2026 is the best,” signaling strong approval of the operation and its broader implications for U.S. foreign policy. He also criticized media coverage that appeared sympathetic to the Venezuelan regime, noting alignment with narratives pushed by U.S. adversaries such as Russia and Iran.

As details continue to emerge, the capture of Nicolás Maduro has already become a flashpoint in New Mexico politics—highlighting stark divisions over presidential authority, U.S. intervention abroad, and the balance between constitutional process and decisive action on the world stage. The drugs peddled into the state by the Tren de Aragua Venezuelan gang have taken the lives of New Mexicans.  

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As 2026 begins, NM gas prices fall well below national average — see where

7 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Gas prices continue to fall across New Mexico, offering welcome relief to drivers after years of volatility at the pump. According to the latest data from AAA, the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in New Mexico now sits at $2.61, well below the national average of $2.83 and significantly lower than prices seen just one year ago.

AAA data show that some rural counties are now enjoying some of the lowest gas prices not only in the state, but in the region. San Miguel County currently has the lowest average price in New Mexico at $2.23 per gallon, followed closely by Curry County at $2.38. Union County is reporting an average of $2.35, while Otero County and Rio Arriba County are both at $2.40. For many residents in these areas—where long commutes are often unavoidable—lower fuel costs provide meaningful monthly savings.

In contrast, other parts of the state continue to see much higher prices. Harding County currently has the highest average at $3.71 per gallon, more than a dollar above the statewide average. Lincoln County follows at $3.01, while Catron County averages $2.99, Grant County $2.91, Cibola County $2.89, and Quay County $2.82. These disparities highlight the uneven impact of fuel pricing across New Mexico, often driven by transportation costs, supply access, and limited competition in rural markets.

Prices in New Mexico’s larger metro areas fall somewhere in the middle. Santa Fe County and Sandoval County (Rio Rancho) both report an average of $2.41 per gallon, while Bernalillo County (Albuquerque) averages $2.53. Doña Ana County (Las Cruces) is slightly higher at $2.64, but still below the national average.

The current prices mark a sharp decline compared to recent history. One year ago, New Mexico’s average gas price stood at $2.85, meaning prices have fallen by roughly 24 cents per gallon over the past 12 months. The contrast is even more striking when compared to the state’s highest recorded average of $4.83 per gallon on June 15, 2022, during the administration of Joe Biden, when inflation and energy market disruptions hit drivers hard nationwide.

Supporters of current economic policies point to the dramatic decline as evidence of a stronger energy outlook under the booming economy driven by President Donald Trump.

Increased domestic energy production, a more favorable regulatory climate, and stabilizing global markets have all been cited as contributing factors to easing prices at the pump. While energy markets remain complex and influenced by global events, New Mexico motorists are clearly seeing tangible relief.

Lower gas prices are especially significant in a large, rural state like New Mexico, where residents often travel long distances for work, healthcare, and basic services. With fuel costs down both year-over-year and well below national levels, drivers across much of the state are finally catching a break—at least for now.

As always, AAA cautions that gas prices can fluctuate rapidly based on supply, demand, and geopolitical conditions. Still, for New Mexico families watching their budgets closely, today’s numbers represent a notable improvement from the highs of recent years and a reminder of how quickly energy costs can change.

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As crime explodes, NM lawmakers face renewed pressure during 2026 session

15 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

As crime continues to plague communities across New Mexico, state lawmakers are once again facing mounting pressure to confront what many residents describe as a growing crisis of public safety. Against a backdrop of violent crime, drug trafficking, repeat offenders, and high-profile incidents of carjackings and robberies, State Sen. Nicole Tobiassen is calling attention to what she says must become a unified, serious effort to restore safety and accountability.

In an email circulated this week, Tobiassen emphasized that public safety should not be treated as a partisan talking point, but rather as a core obligation of government. She pointed to concerns shared by families, business owners, first responders, and community leaders who say the criminal justice system is failing to protect law-abiding New Mexicans while allowing repeat offenders to cycle in and out of custody.

State Sen. Nicole Tobiassen (R-Albuquerque)

“Public safety is not a partisan issue — it is a fundamental responsibility of government,” Tobiassen wrote, adding that the consequences of rising crime are being felt in every corner of the state. She cited frustration with policies that many critics describe as “catch and release,” along with broader reforms that have weakened penalties and limited the ability of law enforcement and courts to hold violent offenders accountable.

Those concerns are at the center of an upcoming event dubbed “Public Safety Day,” an inaugural gathering set for Wednesday, January 21, at the New Mexico State Capitol. According to a formal press release issued by Senate Republican leadership, the event will take place at 11 a.m. in the Senate Finance Room and will bring together law enforcement officers, first responders, victim advocates, business owners, community organizations, and concerned citizens.

Organizers say the goal is to elevate frontline voices and push for meaningful, practical legislative action to address crime statewide. Visuals are expected to include uniformed first responders, advocates, and constituents engaging in a senator-led discussion on public safety priorities.

The event comes as New Mexico continues to struggle with some of the highest violent crime rates in the nation. From Albuquerque to smaller rural communities, residents report growing concerns over shootings, drug-related offenses, organized retail theft, and repeat criminal activity. Critics argue that a series of criminal justice reforms enacted over the past several years—often supported by progressive advocacy groups—have tilted too far toward leniency, undermining deterrence and public confidence.

While Tobiassen and other Republicans have been vocal in pushing back against what they describe as radical, open-prison policies, the broader political context is unavoidable. Democrats currently hold large majorities in both chambers of the New Mexico Legislature, and the governor’s office is also held by a Democrat. As a result, Republicans argue that responsibility for inaction—or insufficient action—on public safety ultimately rests with the party in power.

Still, Tobiassen’s message stops short of calling for partisan warfare. Instead, she frames Public Safety Day as a starting point for collaboration, urging New Mexicans of all political stripes to come together around the shared goal of safer streets and stronger communities.

“Your presence matters,” she wrote, inviting anyone who cares about the safety of their family or neighborhood to attend and be heard.

Whether the event leads to substantive policy changes remains to be seen. But as crime continues to dominate conversations at kitchen tables and city council meetings alike, pressure is building for lawmakers to move beyond rhetoric and deliver concrete solutions—solutions that balance accountability, victim protection, and public safety for all New Mexicans.

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Socialist Bernie Sanders heaps praise upon NM’s taxpayer-funded freebies

20 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Sen. Bernie Sanders is once again holding up New Mexico as a national model — this time praising the state’s move to offer universal “free” child care — a program critics warn will saddle taxpayers with yet another expensive, open-ended government entitlement.

In a post on X last week, Sanders applauded New Mexico for becoming the first state to guarantee taxpayer-funded child care for all families, regardless of income. He framed the program as a solution to what he called a “broken” national child care system and urged other states to follow suit.

“Our broken child care system can learn a lot from New Mexico — the state that is leading the way in guaranteeing free child care for all,” Sanders wrote, according to Bezinga. “There is no better rate of return than investing in our children. The rest of the country should follow New Mexico’s lead.”

What Sanders calls an “investment,” however, critics see as another costly government expansion in one of the poorest states in the nation — one already struggling with chronic budget pressures, low educational outcomes, and heavy reliance on federal dollars.

New Mexico officially rolled out the program in November. Under the plan, families receive state-funded vouchers that cover the full cost of child care at participating providers, both public and private. Unlike previous assistance programs, the benefit has no income cap, meaning even high-earning households qualify.

The initiative is administered through the Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD), which was created in 2019 and has steadily expanded its scope and spending ever since. Funding comes largely from state revenues — including oil and gas dollars — raising concerns about sustainability if energy markets decline.

Supporters argue the program will boost workforce participation and improve early childhood outcomes. But opponents question why a state where nearly 18% of residents live below the poverty line is prioritizing universal subsidies instead of targeted aid, basic academic performance, or crime reduction.

They also warn that “free” government programs are rarely free. Taxpayers ultimately foot the bill, while costs tend to balloon as eligibility expands and political pressure grows to increase benefits. Once entrenched, such programs become nearly impossible to roll back — even if they underperform or crowd out private options.

Sanders’ praise comes as other Democrat-led states and cities pursue similar policies. Connecticut recently approved child care subsidies for families earning under $100,000, while capping costs for higher earners. In New York City, incoming leadership has floated proposals for a fully government-run, no-cost child care system.

Critics say these efforts reflect a broader socialist approach to governance: expanding entitlements, centralizing services, and shifting personal and family responsibilities onto the state — all while ignoring long-term fiscal consequences.

For New Mexico, the question remains whether universal child care will meaningfully improve outcomes — or simply become another expensive program propped up by temporary revenues, growing bureaucracy, and promises future taxpayers will be forced to keep.

As Sanders pushes to export the model nationwide, skeptics argue New Mexico should first prove it can manage the basics before becoming the blueprint for the rest of the country.

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Court says ‘no thanks’ to state’s bid to save 7-day gun waiting period

13 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A federal appeals court has declined to revisit its decision striking down New Mexico’s seven-day waiting period for most firearm purchases, leaving the law blocked while the state weighs its next move.

Earlier this week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit denied a request from state attorneys to rehear the case before the full court, known as an en banc review. That request followed an August ruling by a three-judge panel that concluded New Mexico’s 2024 “Waiting Period Act” violates the Second Amendment.

The decision means the appeals court’s earlier ruling remains in effect, temporarily halting enforcement of the law, which required most gun buyers to wait seven days before taking possession of a firearm.

In a dissent accompanying the court’s refusal to grant a rehearing, Appeals Court Judge Richard E.N. Federico argued the panel’s decision disregarded what he described as serious public safety concerns tied to firearms regulation in New Mexico. Federico wrote that the law was enacted in response to high levels of gun violence and was intended to curb impulsive acts of violence and suicide.

Federico also warned that the ruling could create legal uncertainty within the Tenth Circuit, noting it may conflict with earlier appellate decisions upholding certain firearm restrictions in other states. He said the outcome could complicate how lower courts address future Second Amendment challenges across the region.

“This appears to be the first time the Tenth Circuit has struck down a firearms statute as unconstitutional under the Second Amendment,” Federico wrote, adding that the ruling could have “widespread ramifications” beyond New Mexico, as reported by the Albuquerque Journal.

The law at issue was signed in 2024 by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and applied broadly to firearm purchases statewide, with limited exceptions for concealed carry permit holders and transfers between immediate family members.

The case originated when two New Mexico residents challenged the law shortly after it took effect. A federal district court initially upheld the statute, but the plaintiffs prevailed on appeal. One of the challengers, Samuel Ortega, argued that the law imposed an indiscriminate waiting period even on individuals who pass background checks immediately, distinguishing it from other firearm regulations upheld in court.

In his dissent, Federico also cautioned against relying on potential future intervention by the U.S. Supreme Court to resolve the issue, warning that the absence of a rehearing leaves Second Amendment jurisprudence unsettled within the circuit.

The Tenth Circuit’s jurisdiction covers New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Utah, and Wyoming.

Following the latest court action, New Mexico House Republicans issued a sharp rebuke of the governor’s gun control efforts.

“The courts just shut down the Governor’s gun control push…again. A federal appeals court refused to back Governor Lujan Grisham and told the lower court to suspend the 7-day waiting period while the case continues. Blaming law-abiding gun owners for crime isn’t just bad policy, it doesn’t hold up in court. Despite this ruling, will progressive lawmakers continue to pursue more of these unconstitutional gun control bills during the 2026 legislative session?”

For now, the seven-day waiting period remains unenforceable as the state considers whether to seek review by the U.S. Supreme Court or pursue other legal avenues.

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‘Democratic socialist’ challenges actual socialist Gabe Vasquez for CD2

14 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A self-proclaimed “democratic socialist” is attempting to unseat Rep. Gabe Vasquez from the left in New Mexico’s Second Congressional District, launching a primary challenge that has quickly drawn attention—and controversy—on social media.

Tom Wakely, a Vietnam-era Air Force veteran and longtime progressive activist now residing in southern New Mexico, has been actively promoting his congressional campaign on Reddit, particularly in the r/LasCruces subreddit. In a lengthy thread titled “democratic socialist runs for congress,” Wakely personally engaged with commenters, solicited ballot-access petition signatures, and leveled sharp accusations against Vasquez and pro-Israel advocacy organizations.

In one exchange, Wakely claimed that Vasquez is influenced by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), despite other users pointing out that Vasquez has never received direct AIPAC donations. After a commenter stated that “Gabe Vasquez has never received AIPAC money” and instead received support from J Street, Wakely responded by asserting that AIPAC conceals its influence through intermediary Democratic PACs. “One of the tactics AIPAC uses to disguise who they want to donate to is to make the donation to a Democratic PAC,” Wakely wrote, adding that “greater transparency in politics is sorely needed.”

The comments sparked pushback from multiple Reddit users, some of whom challenged Wakely’s framing of Jewish and pro-Israel organizations. One user noted that “not all Israeli orgs are AIPAC,” while another questioned whether Wakely and his supporters understood that Jews are an ethnic group, not merely a religious or political identity.

The discussion devolved further when a commenter stated, “I don’t support Zionists. Period,” and argued that they vote against “ALL religious groups and theocracy-leaning political options.” Another user replied bluntly: “You’re aware Jews are an ethnicity right?” Wakely did not publicly distance himself from those remarks within the thread.

Wakely’s campaign rhetoric goes well beyond criticism of Vasquez. On his campaign website and in Reddit comments, he openly and inaccurately labels Israel’s military actions in Gaza as “genocide” and accuses the Democratic Party of being complicit for continuing to support Israel. He has cited activist NGOs such as B’Tselem and has repeatedly attacked what he calls “Zionist organizations” for allegedly controlling U.S. foreign policy.

At the same time, Wakely positions himself as an “economic populist,” frequently quoting Democrat strategist James Carville to justify a dramatic shift leftward. In one Reddit post, Wakely cited Carville’s statement that “the Democratic Party must now run on the most populist economic platform since the Great Depression,” arguing that centrists like Vasquez are “part of the problem.”

However, Vasquez’s actual socialist voting record places him firmly within the far-left wing of the Democratic caucus. Since taking office, Vasquez has supported large federal spending packages, labor-backed legislation, climate regulations, and Democrat leadership priorities—positions that critics argue already align with socialist-leaning policy outcomes, even if he rejects the label. He has even repeatedly voted to deny protections for children from radical transgender ideology, even when a few in his own party in competitive seats, like the Second Congressional District, have disavowed it.

Vasquez has also been rabidly anti-Israel, even attending rallies at the Southern Border promoting open borders and trashing Israel, while standing arm-in-arm with pro-Palestinian terror organizations.

Several Reddit users openly questioned Wakely’s viability in a swing district. One commenter wrote flatly, “You can’t beat anyone.” Another said they would “hold my nose and vote for Vasquez if it’s him or a Republican,” reflecting concerns that Wakely’s rhetoric could jeopardize Democratic control of NM-02 in a general election.

Despite the skepticism, Wakely insisted in the thread that he could defeat both Vasquez and the eventual Republican nominee, claiming voters are “fed up with pro-business centrist politicians.” Yet even among sympathetic commenters, many indicated they would ultimately support Vasquez in November, regardless of the primary outcome.

As the 2026 cycle approaches, Wakely’s online presence underscores a growing ideological rift within the Democratic Party—one that pits self-identified democratic socialists against incumbents already voting for expansive government power, but viewed by activists as insufficiently radical. Whether that message resonates beyond Reddit remains an open question. 

At least two viable Republican candidates, as well as perennially losing candidates, have registered to run in the Second District, including veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. and Albuquerque Police Department, Greg Cunningham. Cunningham has the endorsement of U.S. Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary Yvette Herrell, who formerly served the Second District in Congress for two years.

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Governor releases budget proposal, including curious $1.5M UNM line-item

15 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

As Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham enters her final year in office, her Fiscal Year 2027 executive budget recommendation reveals a series of priorities that appear designed less for short-term needs and more for long-term policy entrenchment — most notably a $1.5 million appropriation to permanently endow a political science faculty position at the University of New Mexico.

In the opening narrative of the budget, Lujan Grisham frames the proposal as a capstone to her administration.

“I enter my final year in office with the same fundamental objective that guided my first — to improve the lives of all New Mexicans,” the governor writes. “It begins with this budget.”

Yet buried deep in the document is a line item that has drawn sharp scrutiny.

$1.5 Million for UNM Political Science

On pages 63–64 of the budget, the governor recommends $1.5 million purporting to be for “an endowed faculty position in the department of political science.”

Endowed faculty positions are not temporary grants. They are permanent, long-term investments that shape curriculum, research priorities, and institutional direction for decades.

The budget provides no explanation for why political science — rather than teacher preparation, nursing, engineering, or public safety — merits a seven-figure endowment, particularly as New Mexico continues to rank near the bottom nationally in education outcomes and public safety metrics.

The timing also raises questions. Lujan Grisham explicitly acknowledges that her administration is nearing its end, writing that the FY27 proposal reflects the values she intends to leave behind.

“This proposal reflects a commitment to responsible fiscal stewardship while continuing to invest in our people, communities, and future,” she states.

Critics argue that permanently funding an ideological academic discipline during a lame-duck year is less about stewardship and more about legacy-building.

Hundreds of Millions for Housing and Homelessness

The FY27 budget also doubles down on homelessness and housing initiatives, with large nonrecurring appropriations:

  • $65 million for statewide housing initiatives
  • $45 million for homelessness initiatives
  • $5 million for supportive housing linkages
  • $6 million over three years for Office of Housing operations

In addition, the capital section of the budget includes:

“$100 million for fairgrounds revitalization projects.”

While described broadly as revitalization, the fairgrounds funding is included alongside the administration’s housing and homelessness strategy, raising concerns among critics that public property could be repurposed into long-term housing or shelter infrastructure rather than temporary assistance.

Despite years of escalating spending, homelessness has worsened in Albuquerque and other urban areas, prompting questions about whether continued funding increases are producing measurable results.

Expanded Public Health and Social Programming

The Department of Health receives multiple nonrecurring appropriations, including:

  • $250,000 for long-acting reversible contraceptives
  • $1.5 million for vaccine purchasing and a vaccine marketing campaign
  • $1.24 million for a statewide dance program for low-income at-risk youth
  • $2 million for facilities operation and maintenance

While the administration frames these items as public health investments, critics note that several of the programs extend beyond core health services into behavioral and social policy.

“Free” Daycare

The budget also continues the governor’s heavy emphasis on early childhood spending, directing hundreds of millions of dollars to the Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) across childcare assistance, pre-K, and early childhood programs. The budget proposal includes $160.6 million requested

This push comes despite the Early Childhood Trust Fund already holding roughly $10 billion, a balance even George Muñoz, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, has acknowledged is more than sufficient for long-term sustainability. Lawmakers have increasingly questioned why additional appropriations are needed when the trust fund alone can generate substantial annual revenue without further taxpayer contributions.

Regulatory and Environmental Expansion

The budget also includes significant nonrecurring funding for environmental regulation and planning:

  • $1 million for rulemaking, public engagement, and administrative hearings
  • $2 million for “circular economy” initiatives
  • $10 million for the River Stewardship Program

These items prioritize regulatory capacity and long-term environmental policy infrastructure rather than immediate cost relief for ratepayers.

Bureaucracy Growth Continues

Finally, the budget reflects continued growth in administrative offices, including increased funding for the Office of African American Affairs, as well as additional staffing and operational funding across multiple agencies.

While the governor emphasizes “shared values” and equity in her narrative, critics argue the budget expands government structures even as New Mexico families face rising costs and stagnant outcomes.

A Budget That Tells a Story

The FY27 executive budget totals $11.3 billion, a 4.6 percent increase over the previous year. But beyond the topline number, the details suggest an administration focused on embedding its priorities well beyond its tenure.

As lawmakers prepare to scrutinize the proposal, the $1.5 million political science endowment (permanent, unexplained, and ideologically loaded) may become a focal point in the broader debate over what kind of legacy this budget is meant to secure.

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

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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.

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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 »

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