Española arrests up 74% since National Guard deployment
Arrests in Española have risen 74% over the last six months since the New Mexico National Guard deployed to the city. Police Chief Jack Jones said the increase has helped drive down crime in the area, which has struggled with drug overdoses, outstanding warrants and short staffing for years.
In August 2025, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency for Española, Rio Arriba County and neighboring pueblos. New Mexico National Guard members arrived that November, assisting police with securing crime scenes, patrolling neighborhoods and other duties.
“Wherever the guard has been with us, our arrests have gone up substantially, which has brought crime down,” Jones said.
As of June, guardsmen had assisted with nearly 8,493 calls for service in Española and surrounding communities, according to Jones. He said active warrants throughout the county fell from 189 to 101, a 47% decrease.
Rio Arriba County has also seen a 48% drop in overdose-related trips to the emergency room.
The National Guard also helped during the Riverside fire near several homes. Jones said the fire chief told him the Guard’s quick response prevented injuries by helping evacuate residents and set up a perimeter.
Mayor Dennis Tim Salazar pointed to improved collaboration between communities. “I think the communication, the working very well together, the understanding and the mission to be able to move forward, that’s what’s huge. And that’s definitely benefiting the city and our citizens,” Salazar said.
The New Mexico National Guard has spent 9,672 hours in the region and is expected to wrap up its operation this December.
