There’s been a lot of press coverage of New Mexico’s Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s plan to begin using the state’s National Guard this month to help deal with the rise in crime – particularly involving fentanyl as well as violent juvenile offenders — in the Albuquerque area. National Guard troops are already training for this upcoming deployment.
The use of the National Guard is always a source of concern for those who believe that the military should rarely – if ever – be used against Americans. National Guard troops are more commonly used to provide support after a natural disaster.
They’ve also been used when there’s a serious threat to public safety, as when there are massive riots. Large spikes in criminal activity can also be considered a threat to public safety.
Local officials say the troops will only play a support role
Albuquerque’s police chief asked Gov. Lujan Grisham for National Guard support. Local officials are assuring the public that the troops will only be there to take over routine duties from police (like transporting prisoners, traffic direction and public service responsibilities) so that police officers can devote more time to law enforcement.
An ACLU of New Mexico representative expressed that organization’s concerns about the planned deployment (which is said to involve a minimum of 60 troops) and its effect on residents’ civil rights. He said, “New Mexico already has one of the highest per capita rates of people killed by police in the nation. History has shown that military collaboration with local law enforcement often leads to increased civil rights violations, racial profiling, and criminalization of vulnerable populations….”
Now more than ever, it’s crucial for New Mexicans to know and protect all of their rights. Anyone who believes they’ve been wrongfully detained or arrested or that their civil rights have been violated in any way can and should seek experienced legal guidance.