illegal immigration

Days into the new Trump term, new border wall is already going up in NM

8 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Just days after President Donald J. Trump took office for his second term, the border barrier, which had previously been constructed but stopped under Joe Biden, resumed south of Deming, New Mexico.

With accompanying photos, U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael W. Banks wrote on X, “USBP actively strengthens border security by refining strategies to deliver effective impedance and denial capabilities, addressing illegal cross-border activity head-on.”

“Efforts like installing wall panels to fill critical gaps in Deming, New Mexico, exemplify our commitment to enhancing infrastructure and operational effectiveness. Agents drive these solutions by leveraging advanced technology and their ingenuity to adapt to evolving challenges, ensuring a more secure and managed border,” he continued. 

Biden let the building materials intended to finish the border barrier sit idly while millions of criminal aliens entered the country illegally due to the lack of security in key areas across the border — specifically in New Mexico. 

President Trump’s team quoted the X post writing, “The border wall is being built again — and it hasn’t even been a week since President Trump took office. PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT!” 

Under President Trump’s leadership in this new term, thousands of criminal aliens are being apprehended and deported back to their countries of origin after the previous regime allowed them to run roughshod over communities, including violent gangs taking over apartment complexes and neighborhoods. 

New Mexico’s Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Democrat-dominated legislature have refused to take any border action, instead blaming the issue on the federal government and not appropriating money or resources to assist with the border catastrophe, despite pleas from Republican leaders to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis. 

Days into the new Trump term, new border wall is already going up in NM Read More »

Vasquez promotes defunding ICE after vote against Laken Riley Act

49 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Democrat U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez from the Second Congressional District has come under fire for using his taxpayer-funded congressional office to promote materials from the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC), an organization advocating for the defunding of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Vasquez’s actions were highlighted just as he voted against the Laken Riley Act, a proposed measure aimed at bolstering border security. All three members of New Mexico’s delegation, including Vasquez, Teresa Leger Fernandez, and Melanie Stansbury, voted against the commonsense legislation. 

Vasquez shared the NIJC’s “Know Your Rights” toolkit on his official congressional account. This resource, aimed at guiding undocumented migrants on avoiding deportation, includes strategies for identifying law enforcement officers and declining cooperation with immigration officials. Critics argue that these tactics enable migrants to evade lawful detention and deportation efforts.

The NIJC, whose mission includes dismantling ICE and CBP, is clear in its stance against immigration enforcement. Their social media campaigns, such as the “#DefundHate” initiative, call for an end to Title 42 and advocate for the release of detained individuals. Screenshots of their website and social media posts showcase their explicit coaching of migrants on circumventing federal law enforcement.

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) quickly condemned Vasquez’s promotion of the NIJC’s toolkit. Ben Petersen, an NRCC spokesperson, stated, “Gabe Vasquez betrayed voters and showed he’ll never secure the border. New Mexicans demand a representative who will secure the border, not this radical using his office to aid and abet illegal migrants.”

Petersen’s remarks underscore the NRCC’s position that Vasquez’s alignment with organizations like the NIJC undermines national security and contradicts his responsibility as a public official.

Vasquez’s promotion of the NIJC’s materials comes at a time when border communities in New Mexico are grappling with increased migration and strained resources. Critics argue that by opposing the Laken Riley Act, Vasquez signaled a lack of commitment to addressing these challenges. The bill, aimed at enhancing enforcement and border infrastructure, has received support from border-state Republicans seeking more robust measures to manage migration.

Supporters of Vasquez, however, claim that the NIJC toolkit is an essential resource for migrants seeking to understand their rights under U.S. law. They argue that ensuring humane treatment and protecting constitutional rights does not equate to endorsing illegal activity.

Vasquez’s promotion of the NIJC toolkit and his voting record on immigration enforcement have sparked questions about where his priorities lie and how they align with the needs of his district, especially as he attempted to rebrand himself as moderate during the last election.

Vasquez promotes defunding ICE after vote against Laken Riley Act Read More »

NM AG Raúl Torrez’s move to buck federal immigration enforcement

35 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In response to a federal decision that rescinded protections for sensitive areas—like churches and schools—from immigration enforcement, New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez issued guidance ostensibly aimed at protecting such spaces from immigration actions. Torrez’s actions reflect a woke agenda prioritizing ideological goals over public safety and lawful immigration enforcement.

The guidance from Torrez’s office warns against disruptions in “spaces like schools and hospitals,” claiming such actions “jeopardize access to education, healthcare, and essential services.” This language suggests that the AG’s focus is less on enforcing immigration laws and more on shielding illegal immigrants under the guise of protecting public services. 

Torrez’s statement that federal actions “stain the reputation of a once-proud institution” further indicates a broader effort to undermine immigration enforcement in favor of leniency for those in the country unlawfully.

Torrez’s guidance also emphasizes the so-called anti-commandeering principle, stating that the Tenth Amendment prohibits federal authorities from compelling local law enforcement to enforce immigration laws. The guidance creates unnecessary barriers to cooperation between federal and local authorities in upholding the rule of law.

The Attorney General provided specific guidance for various sectors, including law enforcement, healthcare facilities, schools, and places of worship, advising them on how to resist cooperating with federal immigration authorities. 

These recommendations, while framed as “support” for communities, effectively promote an open-borders agenda by discouraging collaboration with federal agencies tasked with enforcing immigration laws.

Critics accuse Torrez of prioritizing progressive talking points over the interests of law-abiding citizens. By emphasizing the potential “chilling effects” of immigration enforcement on undocumented individuals, the guidance disregards the safety and security concerns of communities affected by illegal immigration. 

Instead of ensuring that local law enforcement can partner with federal agencies to address crime—including those stemming from illegal immigration—Torrez’s guidance instructs local agencies to steer clear of federal cooperation, effectively tying their hands.

For instance, Torrez’s statement that federal detainers are merely “requests,” not legal mandates, encourages local agencies to ignore these requests despite the potential public safety risks posed by releasing dangerous individuals back into communities. This approach has drawn criticism from those who believe it undermines the integrity of law enforcement and places ideology above the welfare of New Mexico residents.

New Mexico, a border state, faces unique challenges tied to illegal immigration, including strain on public resources and risks to public safety. Yet Torrez’s guidance seems to dismiss these realities, focusing instead on limiting enforcement. By framing federal actions as harmful disruptions to sensitive areas, the Attorney General’s approach effectively creates sanctuaries for illegal immigrants, emboldening those who seek to evade accountability.

The guidance also raises questions about accountability and fairness. For example, while Torrez criticizes federal threats against local non-cooperation, he offers no alternative solutions for addressing the challenges posed by illegal immigration. His rhetoric of “protecting families” and “stability” for undocumented individuals appears to sideline the concerns of legal residents and taxpayers who expect their government to uphold immigration laws.

By painting immigration enforcement as an attack on vulnerable populations, Torrez seems more concerned with advancing a progressive narrative than addressing the practical challenges of immigration policy. His invocation of the Tenth Amendment, while legally grounded, is presented in a way that fuels mistrust of federal immigration authorities rather than fostering constructive solutions.

Furthermore, the guidance’s emphasis on “safe zones” for illegal immigrants, including schools and hospitals, risks undermining these institutions’ primary missions. Schools and healthcare facilities should focus on education and patient care, not be entangled in political debates over immigration enforcement. Yet Torrez’s guidance effectively transforms them into shields for those seeking to avoid lawful accountability.

Attorney General Raúl Torrez’s guidance reflects a troubling trend of prioritizing progressive ideology over public safety and the rule of law. By promoting policies that discourage cooperation with federal immigration authorities, Torrez not only undermines the enforcement of immigration laws but also places undue strain on local communities tasked with addressing the consequences of illegal immigration. New Mexicans deserve leaders who will uphold the law, protect public safety, and prioritize the interests of legal residents over the demands of a political agenda.

NM AG Raúl Torrez’s move to buck federal immigration enforcement Read More »

Two of NM’s US House reps. reject deporting illegal alien pedos, killers

14 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act, a bill introduced by Republican Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina. 

This legislation mandates the deportation or inadmissibility of illegal immigrants convicted of sex offenses, domestic violence, stalking, child abuse, or violating protection orders. The measure passed with a 266-158 vote, with every Republican and 51 Democrats in favor, while 158 Democrats opposed it.

Among New Mexico’s delegation, Rep. Gabe Vasquez was the sole vote in favor of the bill. Reps. Teresa Leger Fernandez and Melanie Stansbury voted against the measure, joining the majority of their Democratic colleagues in opposition.

The bill, which has sparked intense debate, comes at a time when immigration policies remain a contentious issue. Proponents, including Rep. Mace, argue the legislation addresses safety concerns, specifically targeting individuals convicted of heinous crimes. 

In a statement provided to Newsweek, Mace criticized opponents, saying, “158 Left-wing members of Congress just voted against deporting rapists, pedophiles, and murderers of women and kids.”

Opponents, however, contend that the bill unfairly targets immigrants and could have unintended consequences for survivors of domestic violence. Representative Pramila Jayapal, a vocal critic, stated during the debate, “Scapegoating immigrants and attempting to weaponize the crime of domestic violence is appearing to be a time-honored tradition for Republicans.” She also warned that the bill might deter survivors from coming forward due to fears of deportation.

As the bill moves to the Senate, the votes of New Mexico’s representatives highlight the state’s varied perspectives on immigration and crime policy. While Vasquez’s vote may appeal to constituents favoring stricter immigration enforcement, Leger Fernandez and Stansbury’s opposition reflects a commitment to safeguarding immigrant rights and seeking comprehensive reforms.

Two of NM’s US House reps. reject deporting illegal alien pedos, killers Read More »

Violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua expands to NM: Inside its ATM theft ring

18 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The violent prison gang Tren de Aragua (TdA), originally from Venezuela, has expanded its influence across multiple states, including New Mexico. The gang, notorious for crimes like kidnapping, extortion, and drug trafficking, has been linked to a nationwide ATM theft ring, with incidents reported in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, as well as in Colorado, South Dakota, and other states.

In New Mexico, local law enforcement has been collaborating with federal agencies to address these crimes. Investigations reveal that the TdA network targets financial institutions with sophisticated techniques, such as “jackpotting” ATMs—hacking machines to release large amounts of cash.

Doña Ana County officials reported several suspicious ATM thefts this year believed to be connected to the gang’s operations.

This criminal activity is part of a broader, multi-state effort led by the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, and other agencies to dismantle the gang’s operations. Local authorities in New Mexico have expressed concern over the gang’s ability to exploit vulnerabilities at the border, allowing its members to enter the U.S. illegally.

The Biden administration has faced criticism for the record number of Venezuelan migrants crossing the southern border, some of whom are believed to have ties to TdA. In some communities, they are taking over apartment complexes and areas of towns.

In July, the U.S. Treasury Department classified TdA as a transnational criminal organization, freezing its assets and sanctioning its leaders. New Mexico officials have taken this designation seriously, partnering with state and federal agencies to disrupt the gang’s activities within the state.

Governor Greg Abbott of Texas recently declared TdA a foreign terrorist organization, emphasizing its threat to public safety nationwide. The designation has prompted states like New Mexico to increase vigilance, especially in areas near the border where gang-affiliated migrants may attempt to establish operations.

As law enforcement agencies continue to investigate, the U.S. State Department has offered significant rewards for information leading to the capture of key TdA leaders. These efforts aim to curtail the gang’s violent influence, which spans multiple states, including New Mexico and threatens local communities through its involvement in ATM theft, drug trafficking, and other crimes.

Violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua expands to NM: Inside its ATM theft ring Read More »

All the NM ‘sanctuaries’ to be defunded if defiant to Trump admin. deportations

20 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

As the incoming Trump administration prepares to implement mass deportation efforts, leftist sanctuary cities and counties in New Mexico for criminal aliens face financial repercussions for their non-compliance, according to incoming border czar Tom Homan. 

These jurisdictions have adopted policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities, aiming to protect undocumented immigrants within their communities. However, this stance may lead to significant losses in federal funding. Below is an overview of New Mexico’s sanctuary cities and the potential financial impact they may encounter [CLICK “NEXT PAGE” BUTTON TO SEE THEM]

All the NM ‘sanctuaries’ to be defunded if defiant to Trump admin. deportations Read More »

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

The deadly cost of open borders: Illegal alien deaths spike in MLG’s NM

8 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The number of illegal immigrant deaths near the U.S.-Mexico border in New Mexico has dramatically risen over the last two years, with fatalities now ten times higher than they were just five years ago, per a report from the Associated Press. Smugglers are increasingly steering illegal immigrants—many of whom are exhausted, dehydrated, and malnourished—into more perilous paths, including the hot desert, canyons, and mountains west of El Paso, Texas. This shift has led to tragic consequences, as extreme heat and treacherous terrain take a devastating toll.

In the first eight months of 2024 alone, 108 presumed illegal immigrants, mostly from Mexico and Central America, were found dead near the border in New Mexico. This marks a stark increase compared to just nine deaths in 2020 and ten in 2019. In 2023, the number of fatalities reached 113. Experts point to the smugglers’ more dangerous routes and harsher treatment of illegal immigrants, particularly in extreme summer temperatures. The dramatic increase in New Mexico comes as the state is the only one whose governor is not acting to curb the flow of illegal aliens.

The influx of deaths has placed a significant burden on the University of New Mexico’s Office of the Medical Investigator, which has seen an increase in heat-related fatalities. Heather Edgar, a forensic anthropologist with the office, expressed shock over the surge in deaths, saying, “Our reaction was sadness, horror, and surprise because it had been very consistently low for as long as anyone can remember.”

To cope with the rise in deaths, the office has added more deputy medical investigators, increasing their team from three to nine or ten in the affected region. Edgar attributed this to the eastern migration corridor in New Mexico, where many bodies are being recovered.

Humanitarian advocates are alarmed by this trend, as many illegal immigrants are dying within just a few miles of urban areas or even close to roads. Adam Isacson, an analyst with the Washington Office on Latin America, emphasized that “people are dying close to urban areas, in some cases just 1,000 feet from roads,” and suggested that more water stations, improved telecommunications, and rescue efforts could help mitigate the crisis.

The U.S. government has taken steps to address the situation. Border Patrol has expanded its search and rescue efforts, adding medical specialists and surveillance technology to patrols. Additionally, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has installed more emergency beacons, push-button devices that can summon medical help along remote areas of the border.

Despite these efforts, the death toll continues to rise. Many of the illegal immigrants are forced to endure treacherous journeys, often walking for days or weeks without adequate food or water before crossing the border. Deputy Chief Border Patrol Agent Juan Bernal of the El Paso Sector explained that smugglers often leave these individuals to fend for themselves in dangerous conditions. “They’re expected to walk, sometimes for hours or days, to get to their destination where they’re going to be picked up,” he said.

Serious stories from families who have lost loved ones add a personal dimension to this tragedy. In one case, a family in Chiapas, Mexico, pleaded for the return of a 25-year-old relative in a missing person post, only to learn days later that she had been found dead. Another story involved a 24-year-old Guatemalan woman whose remains were discovered in June, her death marked by a photograph of her smiling in a blue dress, holding a bouquet of flowers.

The crisis continues as Joe Biden’s border czar, Kamala Harris, is seeking the presidency after Biden was forced off the ballot following pressure from his party. New Mexico’s Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who has perpetuated open borders,  is a campaign surrogate for Harris.

The deadly cost of open borders: Illegal alien deaths spike in MLG’s NM Read More »

Lujan Grisham flips out after TX Gov. Abbott’s razor wire on NM border

26 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has expressed frustration in response to Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s ongoing efforts to fortify the Texas border with New Mexico, but Abbott’s actions reflect his firm commitment to securing his state from illegal immigration—something that Lujan Grisham has failed to address in the Land of Enchantment.

Gov. Abbott’s latest move involved deploying the Texas National Guard to install additional razor wire and fencing along the Rio Grande, particularly in the El Paso area. This action comes as part of his broader initiative to curb illegal crossings into Texas, a significant issue. 

Abbott has emphasized that Texas cannot sit idly by while the federal government struggles to address the ongoing border crisis. “Texas is fighting back. We are tripling our razor wire border barriers to deny illegal entry into our state and our country,” Abbott tweeted, underscoring his proactive stance on border security.

While Governor Lujan Grisham criticized the move, suggesting Abbott is treating Texas as if it were its own country (which it actually used to be) and ignoring the interconnectedness between states, particularly in regions like the oil-rich Permian Basin, her stance contrasts starkly with Abbott’s. 

“Gov. Abbott seems to be pushing to make Texas its own country without regard for his neighbors or the fact that Texas is already part of a great nation—the United States,” she claimed.

She has remained the only border-state governor to reject federal assistance aimed at alleviating the migrant influx, positioning her as an outlier among her peers when it comes to border management. This has left New Mexico more exposed to the fallout from border security lapses, particularly in areas like Sunland Park, where smuggling activities have been rampant.

Abbott and his supporters see these actions as essential in the absence of meaningful federal reform. Texas has seen firsthand the consequences of a porous border, and Abbott’s efforts reflect a commitment to filling the security gaps that, in his view, the Biden administration has neglected.

Lujan Grisham’s refusal to take similar actions or cooperate with Texas on border security continues to raise questions, especially as Texas remains vigilant in protecting its residents. While Abbott is taking tangible steps to safeguard his state, Lujan Grisham’s criticism highlights the stark difference in leadership approaches between the two border governors.

Lujan Grisham flips out after TX Gov. Abbott’s razor wire on NM border Read More »

New Mexico is the problem — and Texas amps up the pressure

12 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Texas Governor Greg Abbott continues to voice concerns about the estimated 58,000 illegal aliens crossing the Rio Grande or bypassing the border wall each month. 

Abbott expressed his frustrations on Twitter, stating, “Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have allowed more illegal immigrants to cross our southern border than ever before.” 

He added that Texas is intensifying its efforts by “tripling our razor wire border barriers” to prevent further illegal entries into the state.

In line with Abbott’s declarations, Texas Army National Guard troops were observed reinforcing border defenses along the Rio Grande in the El Paso region. 

On September 17, 2024, additional rows of concertina wire and fencing were installed, not along the U.S.-Mexico border directly, but rather on the riverbank facing New Mexico, highlighting Texas’ concern about the possibility of illegal smuggling operations in New Mexico spilling into its borders.

Earlier this year, Texas extended its barriers at a point where the Rio Grande shifts direction into New Mexico, reacting to fears that criminal activities in the neighboring state could affect Texas. 

This follows incidents over the summer when migrants, caught in the river’s dangerous currents, were rescued by U.S. Border Patrol and local emergency responders from both Texas and New Mexico.

The Border Patrol’s Santa Teresa station in New Mexico remains a hotspot for smuggling activities. Many of the tragic encounters with deceased migrants—171 this fiscal year—occurred in the desert region near Sunland Park, further emphasizing the challenges faced by border authorities. 

Democrat New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has refused to send funding or resources to the border to help alleviate the crisis, unlike all other border-state governors, including Democrat Govs. Gavin Newsom of California and Katie Hobbs of Arizona.

Texas’ newly fortified barrier stretches from West Paisano Drive to the Texas side of the Anapra Bridge, which connects El Paso to Sunland Park, New Mexico.

New Mexico is the problem — and Texas amps up the pressure Read More »

After abandoning, denying border crisis, MLG now touts her actions

23 Comments / New Mexico / By

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is facing renewed criticism for her approach to the border crisis, as she remains the only border state governor who has refused to allocate state resources to help alleviate the ongoing issues at the U.S.-Mexico border. Despite the significant challenges posed by illegal immigration and human trafficking, Lujan Grisham continues to avoid addressing the root causes of the crisis, as evidenced by her recent Operation Disruption press release, where not once did she mention the word “border” in her press release.

While Operation Disruption, which took place over 12 days in August, reportedly led to the identification of 33 stash houses and the rescue of 91 migrants, critics argue that Lujan Grisham’s selective focus on human trafficking operations fails to address the broader border security concerns that plague New Mexico. 

The governor lauded the operation as a “coordinated effort to combat human trafficking and organized crime in southern New Mexico,” but her unwillingness to commit state resources to assist in border control has left many questioning the sincerity of her commitment.

She previously claimed, “I reject the federal contention that there exists an overwhelming national security crisis at the Southern border,” calling addressing the crisis a “charade of border fear-mongering.”

In stark contrast to her counterparts in Texas and Arizona, who have proactively deployed state resources to manage the influx of migrants and assist federal authorities, or California, which is expending resources to alleviate the flow of deadly fentanyl, Lujan Grisham continues to distance her administration from any comprehensive border security efforts. Despite acknowledging the severity of human trafficking and organized crime, she remains silent on the broader border issues fueling these crimes, including open-border policies of the Lujan Grisham and Biden-Harris regimes.

Critics also highlight that while the governor boasts about the results of Operation Disruption—735 traffic stops, 16 arrests, and the rescue of a woman found in life-threatening conditions—her refusal to engage with border security more broadly leaves New Mexico vulnerable to further exploitation by criminal networks. The governor’s press release made no mention of the word “border,” reflecting her ongoing reluctance to confront the deeper issues at play.

Lujan Grisham’s stance has led to frustration among border communities and law enforcement officials who are struggling to manage the consequences of her inaction. While other border state governors have made concerted efforts to strengthen border security, Lujan Grisham’s refusal to act not only leaves New Mexico exposed but also places a heavier burden on local authorities to deal with the fallout from unchecked illegal immigration and trafficking.

The governor’s recent re-establishment of the Governor’s Organized Crime Commission in May 2023, while touted as a step forward, has done little to satisfy critics who see it as a symbolic gesture during election season rather than a serious commitment to addressing the ongoing border crisis. She has not addressed the issue since her initial inaugaraiton in 2019. Until Lujan Grisham acknowledges the role the border plays in New Mexico’s security issues, her efforts will likely be viewed as insufficient and out of touch with the reality facing her state.

After abandoning, denying border crisis, MLG now touts her actions Read More »

1 2 3 4 5 6
Scroll to Top