Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison recently led a meeting in Albuquerque with leaders from federal, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies to discuss strategies for addressing violent crime and drug trafficking in Española and Rio Arriba County.
Participants included representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI, DEA, ATF, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), as well as local chiefs of police and sheriffs. During the meeting, Ellison referred to the region as “ground zero” for violent crime and overdose deaths in New Mexico. He called for stronger partnerships among agencies, an increased federal presence, and coordinated action plans. “Offenders will face prosecution and significant federal prison time,” Ellison said.
Local law enforcement officials shared updates on their efforts. Española Police Chief Mizel Garcia reported enhanced collaboration between agencies and identified Mexican cartels as the primary public safety threat in the area. Pueblo of Pojoaque Police Chief Freddie Trujillo discussed successful use of license plate reader technology and joint operations at Buffalo Thunder Resort that resulted in prosecutions through the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Santa Clara Pueblo Police Chief Mitchell Maestas highlighted how technology helps address staffing shortages and praised recent state initiatives aimed at closing legal loopholes related to crimes committed by non-Indians on tribal lands. Rio Arriba County Sheriff Lorenzo Aguilar described cartel operations as organized and disciplined, urging federal partners to provide more resources, intelligence, and data sharing. He also outlined efforts to deputize tribal officers so they can arrest non-Indians.
In response to these concerns, Ellison announced that his office would expand its priorities by considering all provable firearm cases—especially “felon in possession” charges—as well as A- and B-level drug cases and every provable fentanyl trafficking case brought forward.
Federal agency leaders reiterated their commitment to supporting local efforts. HSI Special Agent in Charge J.T. Stevens emphasized close cooperation with local authorities: “True success is measured in safer streets, not statistics.” ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Sarah Mauricio described support measures including K9 units trained to detect explosives, eTrace systems for tracking firearms, NIBIN ballistic imaging technology, and advanced training opportunities for officers. FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Philip Russell advocated a “whole of government” approach with seamless interagency coordination. DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Armijo pledged additional training for local officers on building federal cases and offered more license plate readers.
Officials from the U.S. Attorney’s Office detailed internal strategies to support these efforts further. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Samuel Hurtado promised responsiveness: “We have the ability to pursue cases the state cannot.” Deputy Supervisory AUSA Paul Mysliwiec provided guidance on which types of cases should be sent to federal prosecutors for consideration. Supervisory AUSA Matthew McGinley announced a greater focus on drug trafficking within Indian Country along with an expanded tribal liaison program supported by victim-witness specialists. Deputy Supervisory AUSA Lou Mattei encouraged early engagement with federal agencies: “Even low-level drug crimes can expose broader cartel operations.”
Sheriff Aguilar concluded by stressing that criminals do not recognize jurisdictional boundaries; therefore law enforcement must work across those boundaries as well.
The meeting ended with consensus among leaders that improving public safety requires coordinated strategies backed by federal resources, tough prosecution policies, and ongoing collaboration between all levels of law enforcement.
