State Of Emergency Declared Due To New Mexico Crime Rates

The crime rates in one, very small, area of New Mexico have gotten so bad the Governor has declared a "state of emergency" for the second time.

New Mexico's Governor has declared a state of emergency for a small community with a population of only 10,500. For reference, Chaparral, New Mexico ... on El Paso's northern edge ... is bigger than that. (Pop. 16.6K)

Somehow, tiny Espanola, New Mexico racked up crime stats so insane, the Governor is sending in the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

This isn't the first time NM's 'Gov has declared a state of emergency over crime rates. In April, she did it for Albuquerque and sent 70 National Guard troops into NM's largest city.

"When our local leaders called for help to protect their communities, we responded immediately with decisive action," the Democratic governor said Wednesday. "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." - cbsnews

What's The Problem?

Drugs, especially Fentanyl, and poverty seem to be at the root of the areas super high crime rates which have seen police calls in the private sector more than double in the last 2 years while police calls to businesses quadrupled.

Executive Order 2025-358 gives $750,000 in emergency funding to the DHS to back up local law and settle things down. The order remains in effect until the funds are either all gone or area officials no longer need help.

READ MORE: Dangerous New Mexico Cities Near El Paso

On top of rising crime rates, the criminal activity has caused a spike in homelessness, family instability and fatal drug overdoses.