The governor of New Mexico has declared a state of emergency in response to violent crime and drug trafficking in the northern part of the state, including in two Native American communities, the Associated Press reported, quoted by BTA.
The state of emergency declared by Gov. Michelle Grisham provides $750,000 in response to calls from local and tribal officials in Rio Arriba County for reinforcements against violent crime, as well as other crimes and difficulties related to illegal drugs.
The vast region stretches from the city of Espanola, 40 km north of Santa Fe, to the Colorado border and has long suffered from opioid use and a high rate of drug overdose deaths, with more populated areas in recent years homeless encampments have sprung up.
"The sharp increase in crime has contributed to increased homelessness, family instability and fatal drug overdoses, putting local governments and police departments under extraordinary strain, which has prompted immediate state assistance," Grisham said in a statement.
In April, the governor declared a state of emergency in New Mexico's largest city, Albuquerque, saying a significant increase in crime there necessitated the use of the New Mexico National Guard.
There have been no immediate requests for troops in Rio Arriba County, although the new state of emergency declaration allows authorities to deploy the National Guard.