AGP Executive Report

Fireworks & Public Safety: New Mexico State Police will run July sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols statewide, while State Parks ramps up on-the-water enforcement for July 3–5 to curb boating under the influence. Privacy & Policing: A new statewide law limits how New Mexico agencies can share automated license plate reader data, including bans tied to immigration enforcement and out-of-state abortion-related investigations. Elections & Integrity: Los Alamos County completed its June 2 primary post-election audit, with hand counts matching machine tabulations. Criminal Justice: Several former law enforcement officers received sentencing dates in the DWI Deception scheme, and a Clovis man was arrested on federal charges for alleged threatening Facebook posts tied to Lubbock Pride Fest. Water & Drought: The Colorado River’s headwaters are drying up, and a major Navajo/Hopi water rights settlement is stalled as four states block codification. Health Policy: A coalition of states sued the Trump administration over Medicaid work requirements, arguing the rule unlawfully restricts coverage.

Public Safety & Privacy: New Mexico’s Driver Privacy and Safety Act and other July 1 changes take effect Wednesday, including limits on how law enforcement can use automatic license plate readers, plus new rules tied to wildlife and violence against police. Emergency Care Access: A new report highlights how some for-profit ER operators are opting out of Medicare, raising questions about whether EMTALA protections still reach everyone. Behavioral Health Reform: The state’s behavioral health rebuild is colliding with local capacity and confusion, with communities still sorting out what’s changing and when. Housing Policy: HUD officials told New Mexico lawmakers the federal government is pushing work requirements and possible eviction timelines for non-elderly, non-disabled adults in federally subsidized housing. Wildfire Response: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham approved $500,000 in emergency wildfire funding as more than a dozen fires burn statewide, including McCauley Springs and the Beehive Fire. Economic Development: Economic Development Secretary Rob Black reassured lawmakers amid a film slowdown, pointing to job-training and other incentive-driven growth. Fentanyl Accountability: New Mexico leaders continue reacting to allegations that DEA actions helped fuel fentanyl flooding the state.

Wildfire Response: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed emergency orders sending $500,000 (and more broadly $3.5M) to state agencies to support firefighting as at least 16 major New Mexico fires burn, including the McCauley Springs Fire. Childcare & Local Control: A new state law taking effect this week aims to make it easier to open in-home childcare by limiting how local zoning can block home-based providers. Medicaid Work Requirements Fight: 25 Democratic-led states (including New Mexico) sued the Trump administration over Medicaid work rules, arguing the “medically frail” exemption is too narrow for people with serious illnesses and disabilities. Fentanyl Accountability: Republican U.S. Senate candidate Larry Marker renewed calls for a federal investigation into claims DEA agents let large fentanyl shipments reach New Mexico, tying the issue to political fallout over U.S. attorney confirmation. Public Safety Over Fireworks: The City of Las Vegas announced strict, zero-tolerance enforcement of illegal fireworks amid severe drought and wildfire risk. Sports & Politics: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld transgender athlete bans in Idaho and West Virginia, prompting New Mexico GOP reaction. Community Grants: Albuquerque highlighted how AARP’s Community Challenge grants are funding senior housing and livability projects across New Mexico. Western Energy Grid: Western governors backed a multi-state effort to study and expand transmission lines, with New Mexico among signers. Local Courts: A court ruling in Arizona’s EVIT funding fight limits EVIT’s ability to control how districts spend satellite CTE funds.

Medicaid Work Requirements Fight: 25 Democratic-led states (plus D.C.) sued the Trump administration over new guidance that narrows who counts as “medically frail,” arguing it would force ill and disabled people off Medicaid. Public Housing Policy: HUD told New Mexico lawmakers it’s encouraging local housing authorities to opt into a “work & dignity” approach for federally subsidized housing, including possible eviction after two years. Dem lieutenant governor process: Deb Haaland endorsed Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard to fill the vacant Democratic lieutenant governor slot after Maggie Toulouse Oliver withdrew for health reasons, with the state party’s central committee set to choose. Wildfire Response: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued an emergency order granting $500,000 as at least 16 wildfires burn statewide, including the McCauley Springs Fire near Jemez Springs. Behavioral Health Funding: New Mexico awarded $24.5 million under SB3 to expand mental health, substance use treatment, and crisis services across all 13 regions. DEA fentanyl probe fallout: New Mexico leaders continue pressing federal accountability after allegations that DEA actions helped fentanyl reach the state. House GOP leadership: Rep. Gail Armstrong was elected the first woman to lead the New Mexico House Republican caucus. Safety & enforcement: New Mexico State Police announced July sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols statewide. Border religious dispute: The Diocese of Las Cruces says federal plans to seize land for a larger border wall threaten Mount Cristo Rey pilgrimages. Local justice: A Clovis man faces federal charges for allegedly threatening Lubbock Pride Fest on social media.

DEA fentanyl fallout: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham says New Mexico could seek billions in civil compensation after reports DEA agents allegedly let fentanyl pills reach streets while building bigger cases, calling it a “stunning failure” and vowing to push the issue to the White House and Congress. State legal action: AG Raúl Torrez has opened a criminal investigation into the allegations, following reporting that agents monitored shipments under wiretap authority and stood down. Election power fight: New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver responded to federal court decisions blocking parts of President Trump’s election executive orders, as AGs and states continue challenging federal overreach. Medicaid work requirements: A coalition of Democratic-led states, including New Mexico, sued to block new federal guidance that narrows the “medically frail” exemption tied to Medicaid work rules. Wildfire and fireworks: With fires burning across the West, officials are warning Americans to pause on fireworks; Utah has moved to restrict consumer fireworks statewide. Public safety and courts: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled geofence location searches need a specific warrant, a decision highlighted by New Mexico reporting. Local governance: Albuquerque is recruiting a permanent director for its Department of Technology and Innovation as leadership transitions. Campaign trail: Deb Haaland endorsed Public Lands Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard for lieutenant governor, while Sen. Harold Pope Jr. says he’ll keep pushing for the nomination.

DEA fentanyl fallout in New Mexico: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham says the state could pursue “hundreds of millions” to more than $1 billion in civil damages after reports that DEA agents allegedly let fentanyl shipments “walk” into New Mexico while building cases—prompting demands for a White House meeting and a state DOJ investigation. Medicaid work requirements lawsuit: New Mexico’s AG Raúl Torrez joined a multi-state challenge to Trump administration Medicaid work rules, arguing federal guidance unlawfully narrows who qualifies as “medically frail,” risking coverage losses for vulnerable patients. Elections access in court: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld counting mail ballots received after Election Day if they’re postmarked by then—keeping New Mexico’s current approach intact. Border faith amid land fight: Catholic leaders held a Mount Cristo Rey pilgrimage and border Mass as the dispute over border land and possible federal involvement stays in the spotlight. Screwworm response: Federal and state officials report New World screwworm has reached New Mexico, adding pressure for coordinated containment and livestock protections. PFAS cleanup talks: New Mexico and the U.S. Air Force report progress on remediation planning for PFAS contamination tied to Cannon Air Force Base. Oil windfall rebate proposal: Lujan Grisham floated a $250 per-taxpayer rebate from a projected $825 million oil windfall to blunt high gas prices.

Defense & Missile Defense: The U.S. Department of Defense awarded Lockheed Martin a $35.3B THAAD interceptor production contract, with a New Mexico flight test at White Sands cited as confirming performance. Energy & Local Economy: Mexco Energy reported fiscal 2026 results showing lower net income and revenues, while noting continued well development in New Mexico’s Delaware Basin. Water Rights & Federal Stalemate: A major Colorado River tribal settlement is being blocked by Upper Basin states, including New Mexico, over concerns about how water leasing would work. Public Safety: Three firefighters died and two were injured in the Snyder wildfire burnover along the Colorado-Utah border as extreme heat and wind drive rapid fire growth. New Mexico Policy Watch: New Mexico’s governor and leaders are demanding investigations into DEA tactics after allegations that federal agents allowed fentanyl to reach state streets. Transportation & Cost of Living: New Mexico vehicle registration fees rise July 1, and Albuquerque added four new speed cameras. Higher Education: UNM Law School’s former dean disputes claims ahead of Dean Camille Carey’s contract decision.

DEA fentanyl probe: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is pushing for a criminal investigation after whistleblowers alleged the DEA let fentanyl pills reach New Mexico streets from 2023 to 2025; NM AG Raúl Torrez opened the investigation and leaders plan a public discussion on next steps. Cannabis enforcement: New Mexico is rolling out a new cannabis enforcement bureau within the Regulation and Licensing Department, with trained agents targeting the black market as legal retailers complain enforcement hasn’t kept up. Electric vehicle mandate fight: New Mexico’s EV requirement for 2027 model years remains in legal limbo after a court challenge was rejected, and dealers say they won’t comply. Higher education leadership: Former UNM law dean Sergio Pareja is defending current dean Camille Carey amid calls not to renew her contract over admissions and campus culture concerns. Wildlife policy: Reports detail wolf trapping activity in New Mexico, raising questions about compliance and protections for Mexican gray wolves. Homelessness enforcement: Santa Fe police camping-ban enforcement is driving a spike in illegal camping charges in 2026, according to city-provided data. Border wall pilgrimage: A Catholic diocese is holding a Mount Cristo Rey pilgrimage while defending land tied to a DHS eminent domain claim related to the border wall. Public safety: Wildfires across the West—including the Colorado-Utah border—have killed three firefighters and injured two, underscoring extreme fire conditions.

Wildfire Tragedy in the West: Three firefighters died and two were injured battling fast-moving blazes on the Colorado-Utah border as hot, dry, windy weather drives extreme fire behavior, with Utah’s Cottonwood Fire ballooning and damaging parts of a ski resort. Homelessness Enforcement in Santa Fe: Santa Fe police charges for illegal camping have surged in 2026 as the city ramps up enforcement, raising concerns that people are being pushed into repeated arrests and warrants. Colorado River Talks Stall: Negotiations among the seven basin states broke down without a post-deadline plan, leaving Upper Basin states—including New Mexico—warning that gridlock will carry real consequences for water users. New Mexico Cannabis Crackdown: The state’s new cannabis enforcement team is starting targeted investigations against the black market, expanding beyond licensing complaints into enforcement actions statewide. Fentanyl Accountability Push: New Mexico lawmakers are demanding answers from the DEA after reports that agents used “walking” tactics that allegedly let fentanyl reach Albuquerque streets. Tax Relief Proposal: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is urging lawmakers to use a projected budget windfall for $250 rebates to help offset high gas prices. Food Access Effort: Albuquerque partners held a “Food Is Medicine Produce Fair” to distribute free fresh produce for seniors and other residents facing food insecurity. Route 66 Local Color: New Mexico’s Route 66 stops, including Clines Corners, continue to draw road-trippers as the highway marks its 100th anniversary.

DEA fentanyl probe: U.S. Reps. Teresa Leger Fernández, Melanie Stansbury, and Gabe Vasquez demand answers from DEA chief Terrance Cole after reports agents/prosecutors allegedly let hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills “walk” onto New Mexico streets. Federal accountability: New Mexico’s AG, Raúl Torrez, also launched an investigation into DEA fentanyl operations, pressing for federal accountability. State politics: The New Mexico GOP State Central Committee adjourned to a July meeting after failing to reach quorum for leadership business. Local governance: Grant County commissioners voted to raise pay for future elected officials, with the sheriff’s future salary set at $92,000. Public safety & health: Federal and state agriculture officials report New World screwworm spread, including a domestic animal case in Lea County, New Mexico, prompting stricter movement rules. Environment: Extreme heat and wildfire conditions continue to drive fire restrictions across the West, including New Mexico.

DEA fentanyl probe in New Mexico: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez launched a criminal investigation into allegations that DEA agents let hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills “walk” onto streets while pursuing bigger cases, with the DEA now asking the Justice Department’s watchdog to review the claims. Borderland Catholic response: Bishops from Las Cruces and El Paso are calling for a pilgrimage up Mount Cristo Rey on Sunday, framing it as religious freedom amid federal plans to confiscate church land for a border wall. Deb Haaland lieutenant governor vetting: Haaland’s campaign says it will interview five candidates for her running mate slot, including Public Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard and state Sens. Harold Pope and Leo Jaramillo. Local governance: Roswell’s City Council revised its Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan after earlier project costs drew pushback, and Food Not Bombs Roswell reached a settlement allowing it to serve food on Pioneer Plaza again. Public funding: New Mexico’s Cultural Properties Restoration Fund is accepting applications for up to $500,000 for historic preservation projects. Animal health alert: The new world screwworm fly has been confirmed in Texas livestock and a dog in New Mexico, prompting urgent rancher and pet-owner checks. Los Alamos surveillance debate: Police Chief Dino Sgambellone is set to brief county council on cameras and data collection.

Fentanyl Probe Escalates: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez opened a criminal investigation into allegations that DEA agents let hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills reach Albuquerque streets while monitoring shipments to build bigger cases, with Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and lawmakers demanding answers and possible legal action. Elections & Democracy: Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver received a lifetime achievement award from the Center for Election Innovation & Research, praising her work on modern, accessible, and secure voting. Border Wall Fight: Catholic leaders are planning a pilgrimage at Mount Cristo Rey as DHS moves to condemn church land for a border wall segment via eminent domain. Tribal Gaming Clash: Kalshi asked a New Mexico court to dismiss a Mescalero Apache lawsuit targeting sports prediction markets, arguing federal oversight and limits on tribal power over nonmembers. Local Government: Rio Rancho postponed a final vote on a Maverik site plan near NM-528 after residents raised access and neighborhood concerns. Public Safety: Health officials reported a rabid fox case in McKinley County and urged pet vaccinations.

Fentanyl Accountability Fight: New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and state leaders are demanding answers after reports that the DEA allowed hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills to reach New Mexico streets during a Biden-era program, with the NM AG weighing next steps and U.S. lawmakers pressing the DEA for a briefing. Federal Oversight Pressure: New Mexico’s congressional delegation is calling on DEA administrator Terry Cole to explain what happened, who approved it, what results followed, and whether any action was taken after whistleblower claims. Tribal Gaming Clash: Four NM tribes are suing online prediction market Kalshi, arguing sports contracts violate federal and tribal gaming laws, while a state lawmaker floats renegotiating tribal compacts if courts don’t shut the markets down. SNAP Error Costs: USDA data shows New Mexico’s SNAP payment error rate is high (16.81%), raising the stakes as states face financial consequences if they don’t cut mistakes. Water & Power Watch: Lake Powell is at its lowest entering summer ever, with federal projections warning it could hit “minimum power pool” next spring, threatening electricity generation and raising broader Colorado River risk. Local Governance: Roswell reached a settlement allowing Food Not Bombs to resume downtown food distributions after a free-speech lawsuit.

DEA-Fentanyl Fallout in New Mexico: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is demanding a criminal investigation after AP reporting says the Biden-era DEA let hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills “walk” into New Mexico while agents monitored shipments without seizing them, and she says the agency knew people would die; the DEA has denied wrongdoing and now even the DEA is asking DOJ’s watchdog to investigate whistleblower claims. Local Election Access Fight: Former Las Cruces mayor Ken Miyagishima, an independent governor hopeful, lost a ballot-access lawsuit but says he’ll appeal to the New Mexico Supreme Court. Minor Party Ballot Watch: The New Mexico Forward Party announced five candidates for November, but two statewide/local hopefuls reportedly failed signature thresholds. SNAP Oversight Pressure: USDA says New Mexico’s SNAP payment error rate hit 16.81% in FY2025, putting the state among those facing new federal accountability measures. Public Health: New Mexico health officials warn of West Nile risk after positive mosquito tests in Bernalillo County. State GOP Criminal Case: Republican Party of New Mexico treasurer Kimberly Skaggs was charged in a fatal Las Cruces hit-and-run. Energy/Tech: The U.S. CHIPS program is sending $250M to an NM lab-linked company for semiconductor work tied to geothermal drilling.

DEA/Fentanyl Probe: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham asked NM AG Raúl Torrez to investigate whether DEA agents violated state law after an AP report said federal agents let hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills reach New Mexico streets while pursuing bigger cases. State Elections: The State Canvassing Board certified New Mexico’s June 2 primary results, with turnout at 24.6% under the state’s first semi-open primary; recounts were ordered in four tight races. Courts & Local Government: Roadrunner Health Services asked a judge to dismiss Colfax County’s detention center lawsuit, arguing it may be void under the Open Meetings Act. Public Safety/Health: Roswell’s city-run ambulance service began responding to calls, ending a contractor model. Gun Violence Prevention: Boulder County DA partners hosted a free gun safe giveaway to promote safer storage and community dialogue. Wildlife & Environment: A New World screwworm update confirmed a case in southeastern New Mexico, keeping pressure on surveillance and mitigation. National Tech & Kids: Parents sued Snap in Missouri over a 12-year-old’s rape, alleging app features helped an adult predator connect and locate the child.

Prediction Markets Clash: The CFTC sued Kentucky over Kalshi and Polymarket, and says it’s now taken action against nine states—including New Mexico—over who has authority to regulate event betting. Behavioral Health Overhaul: New Mexico’s regional behavioral health rebuild is running into confusion as some regions seek deadline extensions and leaders try to align county and tribal approvals. Broadband Funding Risk: State broadband chief Jeff Lopez told lawmakers that New Mexico is waiting on guidance for spending $675M in federal BEAD money, and warned AI rules could jeopardize funding. Elections Fight in Court: A federal judge permanently blocked key parts of Trump’s 2025 anti-voting executive order, keeping limits on proof-of-citizenship demands and mail ballot restrictions in place. AG Push on Vaping: Attorney General William Tong welcomed Shopify’s move to ban all e-cigarette sales on its platform, citing youth health risks and FDA limits. Local Governance & Rights: A Roswell anti-war food group can resume free food giveaways at Pioneer Plaza after a settlement ended a dispute over permits and insurance. Tribes & Online Sports Betting: A New Mexico lawmaker urged tribes to reopen the gaming compact to allow statewide online sports betting and capture tax revenue. Water Reality Check: NASA imagery shows Arizona’s San Carlos Reservoir is “near-empty,” underscoring drought impacts across the Southwest, including the Gila system tied to New Mexico.