AGP Executive Report

Election Integrity: Nevada lawmakers are eyeing a bill modeled on New Mexico’s new approach to keep federal interference away from polling places, including tougher penalties for obstructing access. Federal Transparency Fight: New Mexico’s AG is again in the spotlight over Epstein files, as lawmakers push an “Epstein Files Transparency Act II” to strengthen enforcement and missed deadlines. Water Policy: The federal Colorado River plan is drawing fresh backlash, with Arizona warning of potentially massive cuts that could devastate the Southwest economy—while New Mexico and other states weigh in on the fallout. Cybersecurity & Tech: Logicalis USA expands in New Mexico after acquiring Loial, a local cybersecurity and managed services provider, signaling more growth in the state’s tech and government-adjacent market. Public Safety & Local Government: Albuquerque continues adding speed cameras and pedestrian safety upgrades, including new enforcement locations and crosswalk improvements. Higher Ed Dispute: New Mexico Highlands University faces allegations of a “culture of discrimination” tied to a political science professor’s visa renewal and tenure-track reappointment. Crime: New Mexico State Police report a fatal Raton shootout after a domestic violence call escalated into an officer-involved exchange.

Immigration Legal Aid Crisis: More than 24,000 unaccompanied immigrant children face losing legal representation as a federal nonprofit contract expires this week, with groups warning the cuts will leave kids without independent advocates. Campaign Finance Transparency: A New Mexico election spending probe raises alarms that out-of-state political groups can dodge state disclosure rules, leaving voters unsure who’s paying for ads. Federal Health Care Fight: New Mexico’s AG joins a multi-state lawsuit targeting a Trump administration rule that would weaken Affordable Care Act protections and raise costs for consumers. Albuquerque Traffic Safety: Albuquerque added two speed cameras and plans more, bringing the total to 38, as the city cites crash data and paid citation rates. Santa Fe Housing Policy: Santa Fe Mayor Michael Garcia is pushing to triple a “fee in lieu” charge for developers who skip affordable units, with a vote set for Aug. 12 amid fears it could slow building. Border Child Welfare Lawsuit: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez sues CYFD over allegations a teen was taken to the Texas border and forced to cross to reunite with his mother. Colorado River Governance: Federal water managers unveiled a 10-year Colorado River plan that sets parameters for major cuts to three states after years of failed negotiations.

Colorado River: The federal government rolled out a 10-year Colorado River operating framework after states failed to agree, setting up major, recurring negotiations and opening the door to steep cuts for Arizona, California and Nevada. Local Housing: Santa Fe is weighing a proposal to triple a “fee in lieu” charge on developers who skip building affordable units, with supporters citing more money for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and critics warning it could slow construction. Public Lands & Access: A Sandia Mountain Wilderness land-transfer plan to the Pueblo of Sandia is gaining momentum, raising alarms about protecting public recreation access. CYFD & Border Policy: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez is suing CYFD after alleging a teen was unlawfully taken to a Texas border crossing and forced to walk to reunite with his mother. State Courts: The New Mexico Supreme Court barred prosecutors from using a bodycam confession in the Alexee Trevizo newborn case, citing doctor-patient confidentiality. County Governance: Torrance County residents are demanding answers about “Project Mars,” a defense-linked development shrouded in nondisclosure agreements. Democrats 2028: The DNC’s new early primary calendar puts South Carolina first, with Nevada next and New Mexico among the early states.

Colorado River Policy: The federal government released a final 10-year operational framework for Lake Powell and Lake Mead, setting up steep, phased cutbacks that could reduce deliveries to Arizona, California and Nevada by as much as 40% in worst-case conditions through 2036, with details for the first years expected soon. New Mexico Energy & Utilities: A local column says the PRC’s order requiring Blackstone and TXNM Energy to unwind an unlawful $400 million stock transaction shows regulators can enforce state law without derailing the broader PNM acquisition review. New Mexico Courts/AG: New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez says DOJ missed a deadline to provide unredacted Epstein ranch records, handing over only heavily redacted pages and threatening suit. Immigration Legal Aid: Nonprofits warn that a federal contract expiration could leave 24,000 unaccompanied migrant children without lawyers, raising deportation risk. Democratic Politics: The DNC approved a new 2028 presidential primary calendar that elevates South Carolina first and includes Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan and Virginia early. State Health Policy: KFF reports Obamacare enrollment fell in 49 states, with New Mexico the lone exception after replacing expired federal subsidies.

Colorado River Policy: The Interior Department released a final 10-year framework for Lake Powell and Lake Mead operations, setting up potential steep cuts for Arizona, California and Nevada while leaving Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming to voluntary conservation—sparking immediate backlash from Lower Basin leaders who call the plan unfair. New Mexico Child Welfare Lawsuit: New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez filed a civil suit against CYFD alleging the agency violated state law and constitutional rights by abandoning a 15-year-old at the U.S.-Mexico border and effectively forcing him into Mexico without proper legal process. Health Care Access: A KFF analysis finds Obamacare enrollment fell in 49 states, but New Mexico was the lone exception—because the state used its own money to replace expired federal subsidies. Immigration Courts: A federal legal-aid contract for unaccompanied immigrant children expired, putting thousands at risk of facing immigration judges without lawyers. Education Policy Debate: A New Mexico education column argues HB130’s added instructional time won’t help unless districts focus on how teachers use that time, not just the hours. Federal Transparency Fight: A report says DOJ may have missed New Mexico’s deadline to turn over Epstein-related ranch files tied to Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro ranch. Defense News: The Marine Corps said an F-35B crash near Miramar in San Diego left the pilot in stable condition after ejection.

Colorado River Policy: The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation released a 10-year Colorado River management framework after states failed to strike a deal, setting up potential mandatory cuts for the Lower Basin (Arizona, California, Nevada) of up to 3 million acre-feet annually through 2036, while Upper Basin states including New Mexico face voluntary conservation targets totaling about 200,000 acre-feet. New Mexico Impact: New Mexico is positioned as “spared” from the harshest mandatory reductions for now, but the plan still reshapes how the river’s reservoirs (Lake Powell and Lake Mead) will be operated and renegotiated every two years. Health Care Fight: New Mexico’s AG joined a broader push against federal changes to Affordable Care Act marketplace rules that could make coverage more expensive and harder to get. Workplace Safety: New Mexico Environment Department proposed delaying heat-safety worker protections again, pushing rulemaking toward early 2027 amid stakeholder disputes. Local Government: Sandoval County approved its 2026-27 budget, with officials flagging tightening federal funding and ongoing reserve planning. Permitting Watch: A hearing on the Project Jupiter data center air-quality permit has been rescheduled to September, raising fresh concerns among environmental attorneys. Defense News: The Marine Corps reported an F-35B crash near San Diego with the pilot ejecting safely.

Border & Agriculture: USDA says the Douglas, Ariz., cattle port will reopen Aug. 24 under a phased plan after New World screwworm concerns, and it’s funding a new sterile-fly facility to prevent the livestock pest from returning. State Courts: The New Mexico Supreme Court barred prosecutors from using statements Alexee Trevizo made in a hospital setting in the Artesia newborn case, citing doctor-patient confidentiality, even as the DA says it will keep pushing for justice. Child Welfare Lawsuit: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez sued CYFD over allegations a foster teen was driven to El Paso and told to cross into Mexico alone to reunite with his mother, seeking the teen’s return and tighter court approval for removals. Public Safety & Utilities: PNM warned Albuquerque-area residents about summer scams, including people allegedly posing as utility workers and asking for sensitive information. Energy & Grid: A federal emergency order lets the Southwest Power Pool call extra power resources across 17 states through Aug. 3 as extreme heat raises blackout risk. Politics & Elections: Democrats selected Stephanie Garcia Richard as lieutenant governor nominee, continuing the party’s 2028 primary lineup work.

Border & Agriculture: New Mexico Rep. Lupe Diaz joined USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins in Douglas for the phased reopening of the Douglas Port of Entry for live cattle imports from Sonora, alongside an announcement of a new sterile fly distribution center at Bisbee-Douglas International Airport to combat the New World screwworm. Courts & Public Safety: The New Mexico Supreme Court ruled that statements made by Artesia teen Alexee Trevizo to her doctor during emergency treatment can’t be used in her newborn murder case, reaffirming physician-patient confidentiality even after police were brought into the room. State Government & Elections: New Mexico’s Secretary of State agreed to turn over voter death error records after a lawsuit, as election integrity groups challenge ERIC-based voter roll corrections. Healthcare & Child Welfare: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez sued CYFD over allegations the agency compelled a 15-year-old to cross into Mexico alone to reunite with his mother without proper court approval. Local Policy: Albuquerque launched new speed cameras on Tramway near Lomas and Paseo Del Norte west of Barstow, with more planned for early August. Democratic Politics: New Mexico Democrats selected Stephanie Garcia Richard as their nominee for lieutenant governor after ranked-choice voting. Digital Equity: The PRC began rulemaking for New Mexico’s Low-Income Telecommunications Assistance Program, setting up monthly broadband discounts starting December. Utilities: New Mexico utility regulators approved the sale of New Mexico Gas Co to a private equity affiliate in a 2-1 vote, drawing sharp criticism over potential rate impacts. Childcare Funding: The ECECD CFO filed a whistleblower lawsuit alleging retaliation tied to an $83 million budget shortfall in the universal childcare rollout.

Federal Grants Fight: The DOE acknowledged in court filings it cut $7.56B in clean-energy grants “based solely” on whether recipients were in “blue states,” and New Mexico was hit with $135M in axed projects tied to NMIMT and PNM. Border & Agriculture: USDA says the U.S. will reopen southern cattle ports in phases starting Aug. 24, with New Mexico crossings following after assessments—good news for Santa Teresa livestock trade after the screwworm shutdown. State Courts & Child Welfare: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s office responded to the AG’s lawsuit over CYFD allegedly sending a 15-year-old to Mexico, with Torrez seeking a court order to force the child’s return. Local Governance: Colfax County commissioners backed a resolution opposing proposed NM Wildlife deer/pronghorn rule changes, arguing they would skew licenses against private-land ranchers. Public Safety/Police: Records detail a fatal Albuquerque shooting tied to a federal task force, raising questions about how Operation Triple Beam incidents are handled and communicated. Tech & Politics: Attorneys general are pushing the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Customer” rules to curb illegal robocalls. Data Center Tensions: A Doña Ana County meeting over Project Jupiter turned physical, with law enforcement and private security scuffling with activists and live-stream disruptions drawing national attention.

Medicaid/ACA Watch: New Mexico is the only state where Affordable Care Act enrollment rose—up 14% since 2025—after the state stepped in with its own money when federal subsidies expired, while 49 other states saw declines. Child Welfare Politics: Former Interior Secretary and New Mexico governor nominee Deb Haaland renewed her promise to overhaul CYFD, after the state DOJ sued over allegations the agency sent a teen to the U.S.-Mexico border to cross alone. Election Rules: The Trump administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court to pause a ruling blocking its vote-by-mail restrictions, setting up a showdown ahead of the 2026 midterms. Chaco Canyon Fight: About 100 protesters rallied outside the Santa Fe BLM office on the final day of public comment over a proposal to shrink a 10-mile mining buffer around Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Local Government: Santa Fe City and County launched a new four-year joint governing partnership to tackle regional issues together. Public Safety/Scams: The NM Department of Justice rolled out “Stop. Drop. Verify.” to help residents spot and report AI-fueled scams. Rural Health Funding: NM extended the deadline for the $47 million Rural Health Innovation Fund to Aug. 3. Housing Pressure: Local homebuilders and developers warned New Mexico is at a “really crucial time” as housing shortage concerns intensify. Democratic Primary Calendar: The DNC approved a new 2028 presidential primary schedule, placing South Carolina first, then Nevada, New Hampshire, and New Mexico in sequence.

Data Center Tensions: Doña Ana County’s Project Jupiter meeting turned chaotic, with a scuffle and three arrests as Oracle/OpenAI-linked developers faced questions about jobs, local hiring, and delayed reporting. Utility & Rates Fight: The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission held a long public hearing on Blackstone’s stalled bid to buy PNM/TXNM, with opponents warning of ratepayer harm and supporters citing job and apprenticeship promises. Child Welfare Lawsuit: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez sued CYFD after reports the agency left a 15-year-old at the U.S.-Mexico border and directed him to cross alone to reunite with his mother, sparking calls for major CYFD changes. Local Governance: Grants City Council is set to consider filling a vacant seat after a lawsuit by former councilor Dolores Vallejos, who says the city lacked authority to remove her over a charter dual-office rule. Public Safety & Scams: The Workers’ Compensation Administration warned of scams impersonating the WCA, courts, and attorneys to pressure injured workers into paying. Community & History: A lightning-sparked fire destroyed a long-vacant historic building at Fort Wingate, a blow to the site’s layered military and Native education history. Health Watch: The CDC is set for a Senate panel vote on a new director as measles cases hit the worst level since 1991. Aviation/Tech: American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide after a technology issue.

CYFD Lawsuit Escalates: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez sued CYFD after reports the agency left a 15-year-old at the U.S.-Mexico border and told him to cross alone to reunite with his mother, arguing the move violated due process and endangered the child. Gubernatorial Stakes: Both governor candidates used the case to argue CYFD needs more than tweaks—calling for major reforms, including staffing and transparency, and even an overhaul. Utility Merger Under Fire: Residents packed a Public Regulation Commission hearing over Blackstone’s proposed $11.5 billion acquisition of TXNM Energy/PNM, with opponents warning of rate hikes and profit-driven control while supporters pointed to jobs and grid investment. Local Government Pushback: Las Cruces voted to remove certain committees after secrecy claims tied to alleged Open Meetings Act violations. Data Center Backlash: Sierra County adopted an 18-month data center moratorium as residents protest projects like “Project Jupiter,” where arrests followed a scuffle at a Doña Ana County meeting. Water Policy Pressure: A federal Colorado River plan is expected to require major Lower Basin cuts, with possible impacts extending to New Mexico and other states. Tribal Education Funding: Rep. Melanie Stansbury advanced bills to study and potentially boost the Bureau of Indian Education equalization formula, aiming at higher teacher pay for tribal schools. Robocall Crackdown: New Mexico AGs joined a push for stronger federal “Know Your Customer” rules to stop illegal robocalls.

Economic Development: ABQ-Net, New Mexico’s open-access quantum network, is bringing four quantum companies to build defense and other quantum innovations in Downtown Albuquerque. Border & Agriculture: The USDA says Mexico cattle imports will resume in a phased plan starting Aug. 24, with New Mexico ports reopening after Mexico meets New World screwworm safeguards. State Politics: Democrats are choosing a new lieutenant governor nominee in an internal vote by about 500 party central committee members, with candidates including Sen. Harold Pope and Public Lands Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard. Courts & Big Tech: A New Mexico consumer-protection angle is part of a broader Meta legal fight over whether addictive platform design can bypass Section 230. Healthcare: New Mexico stands out nationally for increasing ACA enrollment after subsidy expirations, while most states see declines. Public Safety: A mother and son from Zuni face federal charges tied to a stabbing assault that left one victim critically injured. Flood Response: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham directed emergency funding for statewide flood and flash-flood response, including National Guard support. Environment & Land: Sandia Pueblo seeks transfer of nearly 10,000 acres of Forest Service land to expand tribal control over hunting and other activities.

US–Mexico Livestock Policy: USDA will lift the Mexican live cattle import ban and restart phased reopenings starting Aug. 24, with the first Arizona port at Douglas and additional New Mexico ports later, aiming to ease record-high beef prices while managing New World screwworm risk. Water & Drought: A proposed Colorado River plan would require major Lower Basin cuts—about a fifth over two years—with deeper reductions later, and it also raises the question of whether New Mexico should be included in future cuts. Statehouse Turnover: Two New Mexico House Democrats—Susan Herrera and Joanne Ferrary—officially retire early, setting up county-led processes to pick replacements for the Democratic primary winners. Federal Funding Fight: New Mexico Attorney General Jeff Jones joins lawsuits challenging Trump administration conditions that would tie emergency and counterterrorism grants to voter data sharing and immigration enforcement. Local Ballot Questions: Sandoval County is weighing 2026 bonds for libraries, fire departments and elections, with potential property-tax impacts if voters approve. Navajo Nation Politics: Navajo Nation president nominees Crystalyne Curley and Justin Jones announce vice-presidential running mates ahead of the November general election. Courts & Public Safety: A former Navy SEAL was sentenced to 16 months after a plot to use explosives/fireworks against police during the “No Kings” protest. Tech & Teen Safety: Tennessee’s Meta/Instagram trial opens, with the state arguing addictive design features harmed teens’ mental health.

Broadband Policy: New Mexico is kicking off rulemaking for its new Low‑Income Telecommunications Assistance Program (LITAP), the ACP-style discount plan created by SB152 and set to start enrolling in December, with the PRC outlining how providers will verify eligibility and apply bill credits (up to $30 monthly, and up to $70 on Tribal lands). Public Health: State health officials are reminding parents to update school immunizations before classes start, pointing families to VaxView and free “Got Shots” clinics through Aug. 29. Water & Climate: Colorado River reservoirs Lake Mead and Lake Powell hit record-low combined levels, underscoring looming federal and state cut decisions; meanwhile, the federal government is preparing its post-2026 management plan. Flood Response: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an executive order allocating $500,000 for western New Mexico flood response, including sandbags and National Guard support. Local Courts & Safety: A judge dismissed an Albuquerque officer’s DWI case after ruling the Bernalillo County checkpoint was unconstitutional. Energy & Environment: New Mexico Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard says the state’s “stripper well” program has been reduced to zero participating wells and is urging lawmakers to repeal it. Politics: The New Mexico Democratic Party’s lieutenant governor nominee selection is underway via ranked-choice voting among four candidates.

Border & Agriculture: USDA says it will start a phased reopening of the U.S.-Mexico cattle trade Aug. 24, beginning with the Douglas, Arizona, port, with next steps at Santa Teresa and Columbus, New Mexico—each contingent on Mexico’s screwworm control plan and with full USDA inspection for every animal. Flood Response: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an executive order directing $500,000 for western New Mexico flood response, including sandbags and National Guard support. Water Policy: The federal government is preparing to release its post-2026 Colorado River management plan this week after basin states failed to agree on future shortages. Democratic Politics: The DNC recommends New Mexico move up on the 2028 presidential primary calendar, and the party’s lieutenant governor nominee race is set to be decided by ranked-choice voting among four finalists. State Government & Courts: A First Circuit ruling leaves in place a block on Trump election-integrity steps affecting 23 states and D.C., including federal citizenship lists and mail-ballot restrictions. Local Government: Rail Runner turns 20, with supporters touting transit value and critics calling it a waste. Community: New Mexico Gas Company awarded $60,000 in scholarships to 20 Native American students; the state also approved $2 million for renovations at 17 animal shelters.