Last week, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the so-called “red flag” gun bill into law and said that any sheriff who refused to enforce it should resign.According to KOAT, Lujan Grisham said the bill will be a useful tool in the battle against gun violence and will save lives. But concerns have been raised over whether the state’s sheriffs—many of whom opposed the bill—will enforce the law.On the final day of this year’s legislative session, the governor reportedly said, “We will hold them accountable in the same way they hold their communities accountable.”Last week, during a signing ceremony, Lujan Grisham said sheriffs should be allowed the opportunity to voice criticism of legislature, but that they still must enforce it. “If they really intend to [not enforce the law], they should resign as a law enforcement officer and leader in that community,” she said.New Mexico Sheriffs’ Association President Tony Mace of Cibola County said the new law goes too far and he will not be enforcing it—even if a judge orders it. “We don’t work for the governor, we don’t work for the Legislature,” he said. “We work for the people that elected us into office.” Bernalillo County Sheriff Manuel Gonzales says he plans to enforce the law. “Once the law is enacted, we have our roles as sheriffs to enforce all laws and uphold the constitution, and that’s what we do. And I know what my role is as a sheriff,” Gonzales said. But Gonzales told reporters he wished more sheriffs had been consulted while the bill was being written. This is in stark contrast to a position he took last year, when he said he was declaring Bernalillo County a “Second Amendment sanctuary county.”
Newscity: New Program Targets Crime In Se Abq
The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office is starting a new pilot program that aims to lower crime in southeast Albuquerque. Beginning this week, a prosecutor from the DA’s office will be assigned to the southeast area command to coordinate with police officers and community leaders. According to KOB, authorities say the new program will give residents the ability to express concerns over specific safety issues in the community and help the prosecutor’s office prioritize their focus.If the pilot program is successful, the DA’s office plans to expand to other neighborhoods.
Newscity: Thousands Still Don't Have Real Ids
Hundreds of thousands of New Mexicans still haven’t applied to receive a Real ID, despite a closing deadline.According to KRQE, as of Oct. 1, 2020, a Real ID or passport will be required to fly on an airplane or enter a federal facility. Since November 2016, MVD has reportedly distributed 1,189,000 Real IDs and 109,000 state licenses. MVD officials say there are still 450,000 New Mexicans who haven’t converted their old licenses to Real IDs.But the state is doing better than the rest of the country. According to the US Travel Association, only around 30 percent of Americans have a Real ID.
