New Mexico House Republicans from southeast New Mexico called for stronger security measures at the U.S.-Mexico Border, chiding Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and the Democratic Party for purported inaction thus far leading to increased crime throughout the state, following an April 30 visit by the GOP to the crossing at Santa Teresa near Las Cruces.
The governor recently called a special legislative session for July 18, intending to address “public safety” issues and potential legislation with lawmakers. During the regular 2024 session earlier this year, both parties proposed bills they said were intended to mitigate threats to public safety as Republicans sought to increase penalties for crimes like drug trafficking and Democrats pushed stronger firearm regulations.
The Democrat-controlled legislature passed two gun bills that added a seven-day waiting period for gun sales and banned guns from poling places, with exemptions added to both for concealed carry permit holders after debating the measures. Republican legislation was largely rejected by the Legislature, but the lawmaking body did pass a resolution declaring Oct. 14 “Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Week.”