A man smokes fentanyl in Española, New Mexico, and New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times; AP Photo/Morgan Lee.)
"When our local leaders called for help to protect their communities, we responded immediately with decisive action," Grisham said in a statement. "We are making every resource available to support our local partners on the ground and restore public safety and stability to these areas that have been hardest hit by this crisis."
The emergency declaration makes $750,000 available the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to coordinate response efforts and provide resources to the communities impacted.
Grisham said that a surge in criminal activity has contributed to increased homelessness, family instability and fatal drug overdoses, placing extraordinary strain on local governments and police departments that have requested immediate state assistance.
She said that police calls in Española and surrounding areas have more than doubled in the past two years. Police dispatches to businesses in the area have quadrupled in the same period.
Rio Arriba County currently has the highest overdose death rate in the state, with residents struggling with addiction to fentanyl and other illicit substances.
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham prepares to enter the House Chambers to deliver her State of the State speech for the start of the 56th Legislature at the Capitol on Jan. 16, 2024, in Santa Fe, N.M. (AP Photo/Roberto E. Rosales) (AP Photo/Roberto E. Rosales)
New Mexico Republican Party Chairwoman Amy Barela also welcomed the announcement but urged the governor to ensure the deployment results in real change.
Republican Party of New Mexico Chairwoman Amy Barela also welcomed the announcement but urged the Governor to ensure the deployment results in real change.
"This community is long overdue in receiving help to combat the out-of-control crime caused by the failed policies of our state leadership," Barela said in a statement.
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"While I hope the deployment of the National Guard will provide real assistance, the people of Española deserve more than just street counselors — they deserve action that addresses the root of the problem."
"Thanks to President Trump’s America First policies and his decisive action to secure the border, we have already begun to see crime rates decrease nationally. Now, it’s time to put New Mexicans first by ensuring those who commit crimes are caught and held accountable."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Michael Dorgan is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business.
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https://www.foxnews.com/politics/democratic-governor-declares-state-emergency-crime-ridden-county