New Mexico National Guard to End Albuquerque Crime Support Mission
The New Mexico National Guard is set to conclude its nearly seven-month deployment assisting Albuquerque law enforcement with ongoing crime concerns, as of today, December 16, 2025.
The deployment, authorized by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham on April 8, 2025, was a response to escalating public safety challenges, particularly related to the fentanyl epidemic and rising rates of violent juvenile crime. The Guard’s presence aimed to bolster the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) and provide support in areas like the International District and along the Central Avenue corridor.
Unlike typical National Guard deployments focused on direct law enforcement, the Albuquerque mission took a unique approach. Guard members patrolled in polo shirts and were unarmed, deliberately avoiding arrest powers. As explained by a senior APD official, the “thought process with the National Guard was we would get the National Guard to take tasks that an officer wasn’t needed for,” freeing up officers to concentrate on core policing duties. This strategy proved effective, with the city experiencing approximately a 30% reduction in homicides during the initial phase of the deployment.
The decision to “wind down” the Guard’s duties comes as the initial emergency request nears its expiration. Albuquerque Police Department spokesperson Gilbert Gallegos confirmed to KOAT on December 15, 2025, that, to his understanding, the National Guard is concluding its support this week. Requests for comment from the New Mexico National Guard regarding future plans have gone unanswered, as have further inquiries to Gallegos about the APD’s strategy following the Guard’s departure.
The deployment represents a significant effort to address complex public safety issues in Albuquerque. While the long-term impact of the National Guard’s presence remains to be fully assessed, the initial results suggest a promising model for utilizing non-traditional law enforcement support to alleviate pressure on local police forces. The city now faces the challenge of sustaining the gains made during the deployment and continuing to address the root causes of crime in its most vulnerable neighborhoods.
