New Mexico
New Mexico governor refuses National Guard deployment for mass deportations
New Mexico’s Democratic governor has firmly rejected President-elect Donald Trump’s plan to deploy the National Guard in support of mass deportations, slamming the policy as detrimental to both families and the state’s economy.
Trump has repeatedly pledged to deploy the National Guard to enact his mass deportation policy and promised to shut down the CBP One app, end the catch-and-release policy, and reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” program as part of his hard-line immigration agenda.
In an exclusive statement to Newsweek, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham stressed her commitment to opposing policies that she believes would “wreak havoc” on New Mexico’s workforce and communities.
“We’ll use every legal tool at our disposal to challenge mass deportations, and we’ll join with other states in doing so because there is strength in numbers,” said Lujan Grisham.
Chip Somodevilla
“I will not assign the New Mexico National Guard to assist with mass deportations that break up families and wreak havoc on our economy in New Mexico. Federalizing the guard so that we have no one here to deal with natural disasters and other emergencies is untenable,” Lujan Grisham told Newsweek.
The governor’s statement comes as Trump has made immigration a key issue in his agenda, with plans for aggressive deportation policies and a crackdown on illegal immigration. Lujan Grisham, however, expressed concern about the broader implications of such measures on both the state’s residents and its resources.
While opposing mass deportations, Lujan Grisham made it clear that she is willing to cooperate with the federal government to address criminal activity related to immigration. She said that New Mexico would welcome the assistance of additional federal agents.
“We want every resource available that assists with investigations, interdictions, and deportations of convicted felons and those who enter our country and engage in criminal activity. If the incoming Trump administration wants to assign more federal agents to work with us in that regard, it is welcomed. This is where our focus should be.”
Tom Homan, the former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, has been put in charge of overseeing mass deportations.
The newly appointed border czar has repeatedly criticised Democrats who are unwilling to cooperate with the incoming administration.
Newsweek understands the governor has not spoken with Homan since the president announced his nomination.
Lujan Grisham also called on Congress to revive and pass a stalled bipartisan border security bill, advocating for a more comprehensive solution to immigration challenges.
“If President-elect Trump and Republicans who will soon control both chambers of Congress want to solve the larger immigration challenge, they should revive and pass the stalled bipartisan immigration bill,” she said.
“If they’re serious about securing the border as opposed to just grandstanding on this issue, they’ll pass the bill.”
In response, Trump-Vance Transition Spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told Newsweek Trump will carry out “the largest deportation operation” in U.S. history and lower costs for Americans.
“President Trump will enlist every federal power and coordinate with state authorities to institute the largest deportation operation of illegal criminals, drug dealers, and human traffickers in American history while simultaneously lowering costs for families and strengthening our workforce,” the incoming White House press secretary said.
“The American people reelected President Trump by a resounding margin, giving him a mandate to implement the promises he made on the campaign trail, like deporting migrant criminals and restoring our economic greatness. He will deliver.”
New Mexico, a border state with significant immigrant populations, has been at the center of debates on immigration enforcement. Lujan Grisham’s position adds her to a growing list of state leaders who are preparing to challenge the incoming administration’s controversial immigration policies.
Democrats across the nation are spearheading a wave of grassroots activism, legal actions, and legislative initiatives to safeguard immigrant communities.
Trump has vowed to go after those admitted into the United States under programs established to protect migrants from certain countries.
A letter signed by seven leading Democratic Party senators seen by Newsweek was sent to President Joe Biden, asking him to act now to protect current legal migrants.
Lujan Grisham urged the president-elect and the American public to adopt more respectful rhetoric when discussing immigrants.
“I urge the President-elect and all Americans to use respectful rhetoric when talking about migrants who are seeking a better life, or anyone else for that matter,” Lujan Grisham said.
SALT LAKE CITY — A missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from Utah has passed away in his sleep unexpectedly Saturday in New Mexico, according to a news release from The Church.
Elder Caleb Gene Martin, 21, died from a medical cause that has not been determined, Church spokesman Sam Penrod said in a statement.
According to The Church, Martin had been serving in the New Mexico Farmington Mission since May 2024. He was from Salem, Utah.
Elder Caleb Gene Martin, 21, died in his sleep on Jan. 3 from a medical cause that has yet to be determined. He was serving in the New Mexico Farmington Mission. (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fellow missionaries. We pray they will find comfort and strength through their faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ and feel the Savior’s love as they honor Elder Martin’s life and devoted missionary service,” the statement said.
According to the release, an autopsy is planned.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
Southeastern New Mexico will see some snow while other places will generally see cooler, more winter-like temperatures. See the latest conditions at KOB.com/Weather.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Some notable cities in New Mexico could see multiple inches of snow, along with possible wind and cooler temperatures Sunday into Monday.
There is going to be snow across the southeast. A winter storm advisory is in effect all throughout areas like Ruidoso and out toward the Texas state line. A winter storm warning for Carlsbad and even a blizzard warning for the Guadalupe Mountains. These advisories and warnings indicate it’s going to continue until Monday at 6 p.m.
How much snow might there be? Ruidoso could see a few inches, along with other higher-elevation areas. Carlsbad might even see as much as two inches and Roswell has a very good chance of snow.
Wind gusts ranged from 23 mph for Hobbs and Clovis, 25 in Santa Rosa and similar readings in other places. Temperatures could hit sub-freezing temperatures in places like Ruidoso, Roswell, Carlsbad and Hobbs. Meanwhile, Gallup and Grants could get into the single-digits. Plus, places like Albuquerque and Santa Fe will be in the 20s but the big “winner” is Alamosa, Colorado, with 2 degrees.
Chief Meteorologist Eddie Garcia shares all the details in his full forecast in the video above.
MORE:
65 Best Bitcoin & Crypto Casinos to Play at in January 2026
Your privacy choices
Jennifer Aniston “doesn’t always want to work out” but her fitness app’s new four-week mindset and movement challenge makes exercise fun not punishing
Movie Review – SHAKA: A STORY OF ALOHA
Video: How Venezuelans Worldwide Reacted to Overthrow of Maduro
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Video: ‘It Didn’t Have to Happen This Way:’ U.Va. Faculty Call for Review of Police Response to Protests
Trump vows US ‘in charge’ of Venezuela as he reveals if he’s spoken to Delcy Rodríguez
Trump’s abduction of Maduro escalates concerns over potential war with Iran
Cuba says 32 Cuban fighters killed in US raids on Venezuela
Dan Bongino officially leaves FBI deputy director role after less than a year, returns to ‘civilian life’
Hundreds march in silence to honour Crans-Montana fire victims
-
World1 week agoHamas builds new terror regime in Gaza, recruiting teens amid problematic election
-
Indianapolis, IN1 week agoIndianapolis Colts playoffs: Updated elimination scenario, AFC standings, playoff picture for Week 17
-
Business1 week agoGoogle is at last letting users swap out embarrassing Gmail addresses without losing their data
-
Southeast1 week agoTwo attorneys vanish during Florida fishing trip as ‘heartbroken’ wife pleads for help finding them
-
Politics1 week agoMost shocking examples of Chinese espionage uncovered by the US this year: ‘Just the tip of the iceberg’
-
News1 week agoRoads could remain slick, icy Saturday morning in Philadelphia area, tracking another storm on the way
-
World1 week agoPodcast: The 2025 EU-US relationship explained simply
-
News1 week agoMarijuana rescheduling would bring some immediate changes, but others will take time