New Mexico
New Mexico lawmakers split on DHS funding as shutdown deadline nears
As the House of Representatives voted to end the partial government shutdown Tuesday, one government agency is still in trouble.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – As the House of Representatives voted to end the partial government shutdown Tuesday, one government agency is still in trouble. The Department of Homeland Security only has funding that will last for another two weeks.
The temporary funding bill for DHS comes from Democrats refusing to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement as a show of support for Minnesota. New Mexico’s delegation has been very outspoken about funding DHS unless ICE is cut out of the deal.
“Obviously, we don’t want another prolonged shutdown, but when it comes to Homeland Security and the violence that is being unleashed in our communities, we cannot provide any more funding right now for that,” said Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D).
Congressman Gabe Vasquez sent KOB 4 a statement about the bill passing, stating:
“In just the last two weeks, nearly 2,000 New Mexicans have contacted my office to share their anger and frustration over the violence that is playing out across the nation. They are justifiably terrified that they or their loved ones will be detained, arrested, or jailed for exercising their First Amendment rights or profiled because of the color of their skin. They, and thousands more New Mexicans, are demanding DHS accountability and reform, and so am I.”
“I will not vote to give DHS any more funds so long as Congressional Republicans and the Administration continue to violate our Constitution and until they enter into good-faith negotiations for transparency, accountability around use of force, and commitments to comply with the law. As I’ve said before, the first step is relieving Secretary Noem of her duties. We’ve all seen the brutality masked agents acting with impunity have brought upon Americans with our own eyes, and it’s got to stop.”
“Additionally, DHS was granted a $150 billion dollar blank check under Congressional Republicans’ ‘One Big Beautiful Bill.’ That money is better spent helping Americans afford their health care, lowering the cost of groceries, funding critical food assistance programs, and bringing economic relief to working New Mexicans. New Mexicans’ tax money must be used to bring safety and security to our communities, not to detain and kill American citizens.”
KOB 4 also reached out to the New Mexico GOP to hear the Republican perspective on the matter. Chairwoman Amy Barela says Democrats are forgetting that there are more agencies under DHS, not just ICE.
“Border Patrol, Immigration and Customs, the TSA for our airports to the Coast Guard. There are so many agencies that are out there protecting us that are on hold because of a politically driven decision,” said Barela.
Stansbury did say that if the next proposal is packaged by the Senate in a way that would strictly fund TSA and FEMA, she would vote yes on that deal. However, anything that includes funding for ICE is a deal she’s not willing to support.
Funding for DHS will expire on Friday, Feb. 13. That gives Congress two weeks to come up with a plan and make a deal.
Josh’s Saturday Night Forecast
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Calmer weather has moved back into the state this afternoon. Temperatures are slightly warmer across northwestern New Mexico, while southeastern areas are cooler thanks to the backdoor cold fronts that moved in on Friday. Breezier winds will return Sunday and will help kick off a warming trend across the state, along with an elevated fire threat in eastern New Mexico.
Warmer weather will continue building in across the state throughout the upcoming week. A few isolated rain chances will return Monday in parts of New Mexico, but some of that rain may evaporate before reaching the ground.
Good morning!
Heading out the door this morning? Bundle up! Cold air has settled into the Land of Enchantment after two cold fronts passed through New Mexico within the last 24 hours. Temperatures have fallen to the teens, 20s and 30s throughout northern New Mexico. The metro area is just as cold with Moriarty falling to the teens and several other cities bottoming out near the freezing point. The National Weather Service (NWS) has Freeze Warnings in place until 9 a.m. for several locations in northern and central New Mexico. However, one of the aforementioned cold fronts is still moving through eastern New Mexico this morning. That back door cold front has brought 30-45 mph wind gusts, or more, in southeastern New Mexico. The front will push west further west this morning bringing breezy winds to far south and southwestern New Mexico this afternoon. Otherwise, much calmer weather will be on tap for the state compared to the majority of this week.
The colder air this morning will bring cooler and seasonable weather to the Land of Enchantment later on Saturday. Afternoon highs will range from the high 50s, in sections of the northern mountains, to the 70s in southern New Mexico. Throughout the weekend into early next week a warming trend is expected as a ridge of high pressure builds on Sunday, which is forecasted to last through at least Tuesday. By next Tuesday, high temperatures will be 5 to 15 degrees above normal, and even warmer for some locations by next Wednesday with breezy conditions returning to the state.
Moisture does stream back into the state early next week across New Mexico. Tomorrow’s forecast is expected to have cloud coverage increase with warmer weather. On Monday sufficient moisture in the mid to upper levels of the atmosphere will bring the chance for showers; however, moisture levels toward the surface will be lower. That will also bring the chance for dry showers and thunderstorms throughout the state. Have a great weekend and stay warm this morning!
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A New Mexico man has taken a plea deal for his role in the death of a three-year-old girl more than two years ago. Police said that Kerri Santos brought her toddler to University of New Mexico Hospital, claiming that she fell and hurt herself. Medical staff determined the child was already dead when she arrived, and noticed signs of abuse, including evidence that she had been tied up. Police said that Santos and three others were staying at James Welch’s home when the abuse took place.
On Friday, Welch pleaded no contest to three counts of child abuse and tampering with evidence. He faces up to five years behind bars.
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