AGP Executive Report

Immigration Courts: A Denver appeals court ruled the Trump administration must provide bond hearings to many ICE detainees held in the interior, a decision that could speed releases for hundreds across the West. Energy Regulation: New Mexico’s Public Regulation Commission ordered PNM and a Blackstone affiliate to undo a controversial $400 million stock sale for skipping required approval, though the broader merger is still pending. Digital Equity: New Mexico rolled out a Community Wi‑Fi program and a Permit Finder Tool to help providers navigate permitting and expand broadband access. Data Centers: Santa Fe County approved an 18-month data center moratorium, lowering the review threshold to one megawatt and adding environmental justice protections. Public Health & Agriculture: UNM is placing high school students in hands-on lab work for mosquito and insect surveillance, while New World screwworm continues to spread with new confirmed cases and tighter livestock movement rules. State Oversight: NMDOJ demanded federal records tied to DEA fentanyl investigations in New Mexico from 2022–2025.

Wildfire & fireworks risk: With extreme fire danger across the West, New Mexico is urging residents to skip backyard fireworks as restrictions spread statewide and cities tighten enforcement. Water stress: The Colorado River’s headwaters are drying up, threatening supplies for millions—while New Mexico communities and ranchers brace for drought impacts on services and revenue. Impaired driving crackdown: New Mexico State Police plan July sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols statewide, targeting drunk and drugged driving. Screwworm watch: USDA reports New World screwworm cases remain in Texas and New Mexico, with new detections pushing officials to keep livestock protections tight. Cannabis enforcement: New Mexico’s new cannabis cops are moving against the black market, aiming to curb illegal operators as legal sales expand. Community & culture: “250 Flags” honors New Mexicans for service and leadership ahead of America’s 250th, while local events like Sangre Joven’s performances keep the celebration rolling. Local government: Colfax County officials warn drought could hit ranching and tourism—and strain county finances.

Wildfire & emergency response: New Mexico’s governor approved $500K for statewide wildfire response, including the McCauley Springs Fire in Jemez, as dry, windy conditions keep risk elevated. Public health & safety: A national report highlights a growing problem with for-profit ER operators opting out of Medicare rules, raising concerns that patients can be turned away or asked to pay before care. Economy & jobs: New Mexico’s Job Training Incentive Program approved $12 million to support more than 440 jobs this quarter, backing hiring and upskilling across 70 companies in FY26. Tech & power: Sandia researchers are testing AI tools to stabilize the electric grid as data centers and distributed energy grow. Local governance: Santa Fe County adopted an 18-month data center moratorium to build rules around water, energy, and noise. Agriculture & disease: USDA updates show New World screwworm remains concentrated in Texas, with a New Mexico dog case reported earlier in the outbreak. Community & culture: Route 66-themed STEAM Night is set for July 18 at the Albuquerque Balloon Museum, and Las Vegas’ Fiestas continue with new honorees and performances.

Wildfire Response: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed emergency orders sending $500,000 to the state’s emergency management agency as more than 16 large fires burn across New Mexico, including the McCauley Springs Fire. Childcare & Local Rules: A new state law aims to make it easier to open in-home childcare centers by limiting how local zoning can block providers, part of New Mexico’s broader universal childcare push. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Albuquerque has started demolition of the historic Bliss Building, home to Lindy’s Diner, after owners failed to follow through; asbestos remediation is underway and officials expect Central Avenue to reopen by July 15. Health & Animals: New World screwworm remains a concern in the Southwest, with USDA reporting active cases tied to Texas and New Mexico and renewed guidance for vigilance and sterile-fly efforts. Justice: A Las Cruces family filed a wrongful death lawsuit over a fatal hit-and-run involving former New Mexico GOP treasurer Kimberly Skaggs. Business: Wilson & Company promoted three leaders to expand finance, civil practice leadership, and human resources.

Medicaid Fight: 25 Democratic-led states (including Nevada) sued the Trump administration over new Medicaid work requirements, arguing the “medically frail” exemption is too narrow for ill and disabled people. Housing Policy: HUD told New Mexico lawmakers it’s encouraging local housing authorities to opt into a Work & Dignity rule that could require many non-elderly, non-disabled tenants to work up to 40 hours a week and face eviction after two years. Wildfire Response: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued $500,000 in emergency wildfire funding as at least 16 fires burn statewide, including the McCauley Springs Fire and the Beehive Fire near Tres Piedras. Screwworm Pressure: A moderate House Dem coalition, led by NM Rep. Gabe Vasquez, pressed USDA for more details and resources as the New World screwworm outbreak threatens livestock and food prices. Public Safety & Health: A study tied lower legal alcohol limits to fewer driving fatalities, and New Mexico also announced $24.5 million in behavioral health reform awards. Politics & Elections: Deb Haaland endorsed Stephanie Garcia Richard for New Mexico lieutenant governor after Maggie Toulouse Oliver withdrew for health reasons.

Wildfire & fireworks risk: With hot, dry conditions fueling an unusually dangerous season, officials are urging Americans to pause before lighting fireworks; Utah has moved to let communities restrict consumer fireworks as blazes burn across the West. DEA fentanyl fallout in New Mexico: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham says the state may seek billions in federal reparations after allegations the DEA let fentanyl shipments reach streets while building cases, and New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez has opened a criminal investigation. Medicaid work requirements fight: Democratic-led states, including New Mexico, are suing to block new federal Medicaid work rules that narrow “medically frail” exemptions. New World screwworm watch: USDA confirmed 26 cases in Texas, with New Mexico mentioned in the spread risk as officials push quarantines and sterile-fly controls. Tech & infrastructure: FCC cybersecurity rules for Emergency Alert System equipment require password changes and added safeguards, while a Colorado River water lawsuit spotlights growing pressure from AI data centers. Local politics: Deb Haaland endorsed Stephanie Garcia Richard for New Mexico lieutenant governor.

DEA fentanyl fallout: New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham says the state may pursue “hundreds of millions” to more than $1 billion in civil damages after allegations that DEA agents repeatedly let fentanyl shipments reach communities while building bigger cases, with local leaders demanding federal answers. Medicaid work requirements fight: Oregon and other states are suing the Trump administration over new Medicaid work rules, arguing the “medically frail” exemption is being narrowed too much for people with serious illnesses and disabilities. Screwworm response: U.S. and Mexico opened a sterile fly plant in southern Mexico as New World screwworm cases rise to 27 in the U.S., with quarantines in Texas and added travel paperwork for dogs coming from Mexico. Wildfire readiness: Albuquerque-based 10 Tanker Air Carrier is sending DC-10 air tankers to help fight Arizona’s Round Valley Fire. Local history: A new plaque at San Miguel del Bado honors Diego Manuel Baca, linking local land-grant history to the American Revolution. Energy bills: PNM is rolling out customer tools to track electricity use and cut costs through its My Energy Usage platform. Community recognition: Las Cruces honored Historic Preservation Committee Chair Jerry Wallace with a state Heritage Preservation Individual Achievement Award.

Defense & Industry: The U.S. Department of Defense awarded Lockheed Martin a $35.3 billion THAAD interceptor production contract, with a successful flight test tied to White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. Local Economy & Energy: Mexco Energy reported fiscal 2026 results showing lower revenue and net income, with most new drilling activity in New Mexico’s Delaware Basin. Public Health & Care Capacity: New Mexico’s adult daycare system is stretched thin, with only 31 programs statewide and 19 counties lacking any—at the same time childcare shortages continue. Wildfire Tragedy: Three firefighters died and two were injured battling fast-moving blazes along the Utah-Colorado border as extreme heat and wind drove dangerous burnovers. Food Assistance Oversight: USDA data shows Illinois’ SNAP payment error rate rising to 14.7%, setting up major penalties—while New Mexico remains among states with higher error rates. State Policy & Infrastructure: New Mexico vehicle registration fees rise July 1, and Albuquerque added four new speed cameras. Community & Culture: Santa Fe’s 505 Night Market is set to launch this summer, spotlighting local food, art, and music.

DEA fentanyl probe: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is pushing for a criminal investigation after whistleblowers allege the DEA let large amounts of fentanyl pills reach New Mexico streets from 2023 to 2025; Torrez opened the probe and leaders plan a public discussion on next steps. Public safety & cannabis enforcement: New Mexico is rolling out a new cannabis enforcement push, with state “cops” targeting the black market as legal retailers complain illegal operators still undercut them. Higher education: UNM law’s former dean Sergio Pareja is defending Dean Camille Carey ahead of her contract renewal fight, disputing claims about admissions, faculty turnover, and retaliation. Wildlife & land use: A Journal investigation details wolf trappings across the state, including a redacted Game and Fish report tied to the death of a Mexican gray wolf. Community events: Santa Fe’s 505 Night Market debuts this summer with a free kickoff and a flagship market featuring local food, art, and music. Culture & heritage: A Mount Cristo Rey pilgrimage is planned amid a land fight tied to border wall eminent domain claims.

Wildfire Crisis: Hot, dry, windy weather is driving major blazes across the West, including Utah’s Cottonwood Fire, which has surged through rugged terrain and damaged a ski resort area as firefighters struggle to move heavy equipment. Colorado River Gridlock: Colorado River negotiations have collapsed again, with basin states walking away from talks as Lake Powell’s outlook worsens and agreements near expiration. New Mexico Cannabis Enforcement: New Mexico is rolling out a small but growing cannabis enforcement team aimed at cracking down on the black market, after lawmakers expanded the state’s ability to use certified law enforcement agents. Public Safety & Justice: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from withholding transportation funds from states that won’t comply with immigration enforcement conditions. Local Utilities: Southern New Mexico ratepayers are pushing back against an El Paso Electric proposal that critics say could add more than $40 to typical bills. Letters & Policy Debate: A letter argues that allowing psychologists prescriptive authority could ease mental health provider shortages, urging Gov. Lujan Grisham not to veto the measure.

Screwworm Watch: Federal and state agriculture officials say New World screwworm detections have climbed to 26 nationwide, with Texas still carrying the bulk of cases and one domestic animal case reported in Lea County, New Mexico—prompting tighter animal movement rules and new quarantine zones. Wildfire & Fire Weather: A major wildfire in the West—Utah’s Cottonwood Fire—kept spreading as red-flag conditions hit multiple states including New Mexico, with officials warning that extreme fire behavior could return as heat and wind pick up. Local Government Pay: In Grant County, commissioners voted to raise pay for future elected officials, with the sheriff’s salary set to increase to $92,000 for incoming terms. Higher Ed & Facilities: Western New Mexico University’s board approved its infrastructure plan and discussed a potential new baseball facility, while also opening the door for public bids on items from the president’s residence. Community Events: The Santa Fe Wine Festival returns for its 32nd year at El Rancho de Las Golondrinas over the Fourth of July weekend.

Fentanyl Accountability: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez launched a criminal investigation into allegations that DEA agents let hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills reach streets in the state while pursuing bigger cases, after an AP report described shipments being monitored but not seized. Wildlife Health: The New World screwworm—deadly to livestock—has been confirmed in Texas and a dog in New Mexico, prompting urgent calls for ranchers and pet owners to check animals and report suspected cases fast. Borderland Faith & Land: Borderland Catholic dioceses are urging a pilgrimage up Mount Cristo Rey in Sunland Park this Sunday, as church leaders say federal plans to confiscate land for a border wall have raised concerns. Local Infrastructure Planning: Roswell city council revised its ICIP short list after earlier project costs were deemed too high, reshuffling priorities for pipes, flood repairs, streets, and parking near Fire Station 1. Historic Preservation Funding: New Mexico’s Cultural Properties Restoration Fund is now accepting applications for up to $500,000 to protect culturally significant historic sites. Arts & Community: Deb Haaland’s campaign says it will interview five candidates for New Mexico lieutenant governor endorsement as the party finalizes its running mate.

Fentanyl crackdown: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez opened a criminal investigation into allegations that DEA agents repeatedly monitored but didn’t seize fentanyl shipments, letting hundreds of thousands of pills reach Albuquerque streets as part of a larger-case strategy. Border wall and faith: Catholic dioceses in Las Cruces and El Paso are urging a Sunday pilgrimage at Mount Cristo Rey as DHS seeks to condemn church land for a border wall segment via eminent domain. Tribal gaming fight: Kalshi asked a New Mexico court to dismiss a Mescalero Apache lawsuit targeting its sports prediction markets, arguing tribal regulators can’t police a nonmember business run off tribal lands. Elections recognition: Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver received a lifetime achievement award from the Center for Election Innovation & Research. Local business scrutiny: A state SNAP review flagged New Mexico “smoke shops” with unusually high federal food-aid revenue, with reporting focusing on whether the pattern signals fraud or reflects food-desert realities. Agriculture watch: USDA says confirmed New World screwworm cases in the U.S. rose to 25, with Texas driving the outbreak and New Mexico’s earlier case now inactive.

DEA fentanyl probe: New Mexico leaders are demanding answers after reports the DEA allowed hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills to reach streets, with Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham asking the AG to investigate and U.S. Reps. Melanie Stansbury, Gabe Vasquez and Teresa Leger Fernández pressing the DEA for a briefing. Tribes vs. prediction markets: Four New Mexico tribes sued Kalshi to block online sports prediction contracts, arguing they violate federal and tribal gaming laws; a state lawmaker is also floating compact renegotiations. Water stress: New Mexico researchers are fielding urgent questions as drought deepens and Rio Grande flows strain, with institutions struggling to keep up with a drying river. Green chile research: NMSU won a $759,000 grant to develop disease-resistant, mechanically harvestable green chile targeting phytophthora capsici. Screwworm alert: Animal travel rules are tightening as New World screwworm spreads, including a confirmed case in New Mexico tied to new movement restrictions. Wildfire readiness: Pueblo Parks Group is moving to Stage II fire restrictions for Bandelier, Fort Union, Pecos and Valles Caldera.

Fentanyl Fallout: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham demanded a criminal investigation into the Biden-era DEA program that allegedly let hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills reach New Mexico without seizure, saying the agency “knew people would die” and urging AG Raúl Torrez to prosecute anyone responsible. DEA Oversight: The DEA asked the Justice Department’s watchdog to investigate whistleblower claims about “letting” fentanyl shipments “walk,” after AP reporting described agents monitoring but not intercepting major deals in 2023–2025. Water Stress: Lake Powell is projected to hit “minimum power pool” next spring, with a risk of “dead pool” if levels fall further—another warning sign for the Colorado River system. Animal Health Alert: New World screwworm has been confirmed in Texas and New Mexico, triggering added interstate movement rules and advisories for livestock and pets. Public Health Watch: New Mexico health officials warned residents about West Nile virus after positive mosquito tests in Bernalillo County, urging people to remove standing water. SNAP Pressure: USDA says New Mexico’s SNAP payment error rate hit 16.81% in fiscal 2025, putting the state in line for tougher federal accountability. Local Governance: Truth or Consequences approved wastewater funding to avoid a rate increase, using a mix of grant and loan dollars. Tech & Industry: Bloomberg reports a $250 million CHIPS award for I-Pulse Inc., which has labs in New Mexico, to develop semiconductor components for pulsed-power geothermal drilling.

Screwworm Alert: USDA data show the New World screwworm outbreak has climbed to 20 confirmed U.S. cases, with Texas driving most detections and one additional case in New Mexico, as officials push a “One Health” response and roll out about $105 million for detection and control. Fentanyl Probe: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is asking New Mexico’s attorney general to investigate whether DEA agents violated state law after reporting said federal agents allowed hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills to reach Albuquerque-area streets from 2023 to 2025. Snap Lawsuit: Parents of a 12-year-old raped by an adult she met on Snapchat sued Snap in Missouri, alleging app features like Quick Add and Snap Maps helped enable the assault and that warnings and safeguards failed. Wildfire Watch: The McCauley Springs Fire in the Jemez is at about 150 acres with 0% containment, while severe storms and flash-flood risk are ramping up across parts of northeast New Mexico. Local Governance: New Mexico’s primary results are certified, but recounts are ordered in four tight races after low statewide turnout. Community Update: Roswell’s city-run ambulance service began responding to calls, ending a contractor transition.