Democratic Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency in Rio Arriba County, responding to surging violent crime and drug trafficking that have overwhelmed local resources. The executive order, issued on August 13, 2025, targets the city of Española and the surrounding Pueblo areas, making up to $750,000 in emergency funding immediately available for coordinated response and resource deployment.
Governor Lujan Grisham’s action follows months of rising public safety threats, with Rio Arriba County now reporting the highest overdose death rate in New Mexico. Local officials requested urgent assistance after 911 calls in Española and nearby communities more than doubled over the past two years, and police dispatches to businesses quadrupled in the same period.
The emergency declaration unlocks funds for overtime, equipment, and enhanced police response—vital relief as fentanyl addiction, homelessness, and family instability increasingly strain community resources. While the order does permit National Guard support if needed, there are no immediate plans for deployment in Rio Arriba County, differing from April’s emergency action in Albuquerque that led to the Guard providing scene security and traffic control.
“When our local leaders called for help to protect their communities, we responded immediately with decisive action,” stated Governor Lujan Grisham. “We are making every resource available to support our local partners on the ground and restore public safety and stability to these areas that have been hardest hit by this crisis.”
Crisis by the Numbers
- Overdose Deaths: Highest rate in New Mexico, largely linked to fentanyl and other illicit drugs.
- Emergency Calls: 911 calls more than doubled in two years.
- Business Dispatches: Quadrupled police responses to business locations since 2023.
- Emergency Funding: $750,000 allocated for law enforcement and emergency management.
Voices from the Community
Local leaders, including tribal governors, expressed urgent concern. James Naranjo, the tribal governor of Santa Clara Pueblo, emphasized the broader impact of addiction and crime: “The causes and effects of fentanyl and alcohol abuse, increased crime, and increased homelessness extend to the wider community.” The Pueblo itself spent thousands of dollars to shield its children from the repercussions of addiction, affirming the need for statewide resources and intervention.
Española City Councilor Sam LeDoux welcomed the action, stating, “Fentanyl has overwhelmed our law enforcement, and this seems to be a step in the right direction to protecting our citizens.” Republican Party of New Mexico Chairwoman Amy Barela also called for meaningful change, beyond temporary measures—urging the governor to ensure true support for affected communities.
Regional Context
Rio Arriba County stretches from Española to the Colorado border, encompassing rural areas and Native American communities that have struggled with opioid addiction and public safety for years. Recent years saw an increase in homeless encampments and a spike in fatal overdoses, pressuring both tribal and city governments to ask for state intervention.
Emergency Response
Funds will be administered through the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, focusing on:
- Overtime for local police
- Equipment procurement
- Coordinated law enforcement response
- Support for tribal governments and affected families
The declaration remains in effect until all authorized funds are expended or emergency assistance is no longer needed, reinforcing the state’s commitment to tackling crime and substance abuse in Rio Arriba County.
The situation in Rio Arriba County is developing. Have you seen changes in your community or experienced the impact firsthand? Share your thoughts below and stay updated as new measures are announced.