45th President Donald J. Trump’s campaign rally in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is scheduled for Thursday, October 31, 2024, but the event has been overshadowed by controversy over parking restrictions imposed by far-left Democrat State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard.
Her decision to block parking at the Isleta Amphitheater initially planned as a primary parking location, has fueled accusations of political bias, with some critics calling her actions an authoritarian interference aimed at disrupting the rally. Trump’s campaign has had to make alternative arrangements, sharing updated parking and event details with supporters in anticipation of the large turnout expected.
In a campaign email to attendees, the Trump team outlined key logistics for the event. The rally, set to be held outdoors at CSI Aviation Operations in Albuquerque, will begin with shuttles operating from off-site parking lots starting at 5:30 a.m. and event doors opening at 8:00 a.m. Attendees must arrive early, as off-site parking lots will fill rapidly.
Despite originally securing an agreement with Live Nation to use the Isleta Amphitheater’s extensive parking area, Commissioner Garcia Richard blocked this option, citing the venue’s lease restrictions as a thin excuse. She argued that Isleta’s contract only permits parking for events held on its premises, an explanation many critics view as selectively enforced, especially since it has been relaxed for many other events.
Garcia Richard’s stance has drawn sharp criticism from New Mexico Republicans, who argue that her actions are a blatant attempt to hinder Trump’s campaign. Critics describe her decision as a “fascist” maneuver aimed at stifling free expression and obstructing a political event she opposes. They contend that Garcia Richard’s invocation of lease terms is hypocritical, pointing out that exceptions have been made for other non-amphitheater events in the past.
Four main parking locations have been designated for the event. The primary lots include a private “Red Lot” at 5441 Turing Dr. SE and the “Airport Lot” near I-25 and Sunport, which provides convenient shuttle access to the venue. Additionally, Montage at Mesa del Sol offers ADA-accessible parking in the “Blue Lot,” and ride-share drop-offs will be available nearby on Clark Carr Rd SE.
“Off-site parking will be available in multiple locations off-site from the venue with shuttles providing transportation to the venue. Parking will NOT be provided at the Isleta Amphitheater. Uber, Lyft, and ride-share services are encouraged. Off-site parking locations as well as Uber ride-share drop-off locations,” wrote the campaign.
The U.S. Secret Service will screen all guests upon entry, and specific prohibited items—such as bags, purses, drones, and firearms—will be strictly enforced to ensure the safety of the attendees.
Here is a full list of prohibited items, per the U.S. Secret Service:
• Aerosols
• Alcoholic beverages
• Appliances (i.e. Toasters)
• Backpacks, bags, roller bags, suitcases, and bags exceeding size restrictions
(12”x14”x5”)
• Balloons
• Balls
• Banners, signs, placards
• Chairs
• Coolers
• Drones and other unmanned aircraft systems
• E-Cigarettes
• Explosives of any kind (including fireworks)
• Firearms
• Glass, thermal and metal containers
• Laser lights and laser pointers
• Mace and/or pepper spray
• Noisemakers, such as air horns, whistles, drums, bullhorns, etc.
• Packages
• Poles, sticks and selfie sticks
• Spray containers
• Structures
• Supports for signs/placards
• Tripods
• Umbrellas
• Weapons
• And any other items that may pose a threat to the security of the event as determined by and at the discretion of the security screeners.
This parking debacle echoes broader tensions between the Trump campaign and New Mexico officials, highlighting the growing concerns over political neutrality in public resource management. The campaign’s response emphasizes its commitment to ensuring a smooth rally experience despite the setback, as they work to inform guests of new parking locations and shuttle times. The rally is expected to draw thousands — if not tens of thousands — of supporters, who will hear from Trump himself at around noon.
Just can’t wait for the day that BLUE GARBAGE like ya’ll can’t do this to ANY new mexican EVER AGAIN…
I’d like to see “government patsy” added to the list of “prohibited items”.
Seriously, a 12 x 14 x 5 backpack/suitcase is allowed?!?!?!?!?!
Expect more suppression, oppression and hardcore divisive identity politics, if KH gets in. The communofascists are going to be pulling out all the stops on this election.
If this is how they treat a former president/ presidential candidate, how do you think they’ll treat the average conservative?
Stephanie Garcia Richard –somehow when it was convenient -she added Garcia back to her name. She was/is a bored housewife from White Rock and has NO business in Gov’t! Qualifications don’t mean squat in Gov’t so long as you are willing to cozy up to — or do favors for — the right persons you get placed in a position.. When Washington rids itself of corruption this crap from the left side will end! “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!”
so true
She probably worked harder to try to mess this up than she has her actual job for the entire year. Typical entitled democrat.
Exactly, Debra!
The Dems hate “Make America Great Again” maybe we should double down and say “MAKE AMERICA AMERICA AGAIN”!
I wonder what she did to get her position ? Now showing her look petty childish attacks on a former president, what a joke she is being a useful idiot.
Three cheers for Stephanie Garcia Richard! She is upholding the law! Also, all of you supporters, how can you support someone who still owes us over 400K from his last visit? The mayor’s office told me they have even assigned collections agencies to his bill, and he still won’t pay! WTF is wrong with you? I don’t understand you!
Explain why Trump is the only visiting Politician that has ever had to pay for security? #DemocratsAreDestroyingAmerica. Vote them all out and Save America. Make America Great Again!
Rex, you need to seek professional help for your TDS. The RNC politicians are the only group charged for visits plus the rally wasn’t even in ABQ but was in Rio Rancho
There is no effective help for obedient herd animals like “Rex” at this point. “Rex” is one of millions and all of them are exactly alike. They have driven this nation into ruins and they are too blinded by arrogance and stupidity to understand what that means.
Selectively applying a contract (not a law) is authoritarian! I will bet you any amount you want to bet that if MLG, Biden, Harris or any of the other tyrants needed parking, it would be readily available. Rules don’t apply to the Left….only the Right. Do you remember when MLG bought jewelry when the rest of us were under unconstitutional government lockdown? Do you remember when Nance Pelosi went to a salon and had her hair done while the rest of us were under unconstitutional government lockdown? Do you remember Gavin Newsom having a big dinner party at a restaurant while the rest of us were under unconstitutional government lockdown? Do you want me to go on?????
TO REX YOU COMMIE YOU ARE UNAMERCIAN
TO REX YOU HATE AMERCIA
REX GFY
And Mayor Tim laughing and smiling on a podcast (seen on X) about the no parking at Isleta? Let’s not forget his part in this.
Totally Disgusting! The main stream media coverage didn’t help either, you suck! This State is so completely biased politically. It’s so ugly!! To put it lightly!! Michelle Lujan Grisham you have no idea what you’re talking about, you just yadda yadda yadda, your big ugly mouth!