National Guard in Albuquerque Aids Police in Countering Crime Surge: An Examination of State’s Deployment Differing from Federal Interventions

In Albuquerque, New Mexico’s largest city, National Guard troops are assisting local law enforcement in addressing a surge in crime. Unlike previous deployments of troops in military fatigues by the federal government in Washington D.C. and Los Angeles amid protests, this deployment was ordered by the state’s Democratic governor.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency in parts of the state, granting her the authority to mobilize more troops if necessary. The deployment of 60-70 National Guard members in Albuquerque followed an emergency request from the city’s police department due to the “fentanyl epidemic and rising violent juvenile crime.”

The National Guard is aiding local police with non-law enforcement duties, such as monitoring traffic cameras and securing crime scene perimeters. They are not armed and will not make arrests or engage in immigration-related activities. According to the city, their role is focused on support without enforcement.

Shootings in downtown Albuquerque have decreased by 20% this year compared to 2024, a trend that aligns with data provided by the governor’s office. The governor criticized President Trump’s deployment of troops in Washington D.C., citing it as an instance of “executive overreach.”

The National Guard’s role in New Mexico differs from President Trump’s use of the Guard, as the governor’s order was in response to direct requests from local communities. The courts in California are still addressing a case challenging Trump’s deployment of troops to Los Angeles during dramatic protests over immigration enforcement.

Trump has suggested he may take action in Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles due to high crime rates. However, these cities have all seen a sustained decline in crime so far this year. It is unclear what specific actions Trump plans to take in these cities.

Experts argue that it sets a dangerous precedent for the federal government to deploy troops for domestic law enforcement matters, as they are traditionally used for crowd control, protecting federal property and workers, or responding to natural disasters. The courts in California are yet to rule on whether the troops’ deployment violated the Posse Comitatus Act, a 19th-century law prohibiting the use of the US military for domestic law enforcement.