New Mexico

New Mexico governor refuses National Guard deployment for mass deportations

Published

1 year ago

December 13, 2024

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.

Left, President-elect Donald Trump dances during a campaign rally at Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, Arizona, on October 13, 2024. Right, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham speaks during the Democratic National Convention at…

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.

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New Mexico

New Mexico transfer LS Trey Dubuc commits to Texas

Published

26 minutes ago

January 5, 2026

Press Room

New Mexico transfer LS Trey Dubuc commits to Texas

After Lance St. Louis served as the starting long snapper for the Texas Longhorns for four seasons, special teams coordinator Jeff Banks landed an experienced replacement when New Mexico Lobos transfer Trey Dubuc pledged while on a visit to the Forty Acres.

The pledge from Dubuc ensures that Texas has experienced replacements for three specialists despite signing high school prospects at each position — with the SEC expanding to 105 scholarships in 2026, Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian can afford to develop high school recruits at those positions behind experienced transfers like Dubuc.

The Fort Lauderdale product started his career at USF after playing on two state championship teams at Cardinal Gibbons. A 6’1, 209-pounder, Dubuc redshirted during his freshman season in 2023 before appearing in one game as the backup long snapper the following year.

After transferring to New Mexico, Dubuc served as the starting long snapper while making two tackles for the Lobos.

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New Mexico

Missionary from Utah serving in New Mexico died unexpectedly in sleep

Published

13 hours ago

January 4, 2026

Press Room

Missionary from Utah serving in New Mexico died unexpectedly in sleep

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.

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