ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is frustrated with the outcome of the National Guard deployment to Albuquerque, known as Operation Zia Shield.
The operation aimed to support Albuquerque police, allowing them to focus on protecting the city. However, the governor believes local officials did not fully utilize the $7 million opportunity. The guard withdrew last week following a soft request from the city.
During the deployment, there was a 46% reduction in homicides compared to the same period in 2024, along with increased felony arrests and decreases in property crime, robbery, and aggravated assault…