In an unprecedented move to confront a surge in violent crime, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency in Albuquerque on Tuesday, authorizing the deployment of the New Mexico National Guard to support overwhelmed local law enforcement.

The governor’s executive order calls for between 60 and 70 National Guard troops to be stationed along the city’s iconic Route 66 corridor starting in mid-May. The deployment, which also unlocks state funding for the mission, comes amid rising crime rates and growing pressure on local police forces.

Training for the troops is already underway, and their presence is intended to alleviate the burden on Albuquerque police officers, allowing them to concentrate more on patrol duties and direct crime prevention.

At a press conference alongside Mayor Tim Keller, Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina emphasized that the Guard’s role will be strictly supportive and non-confrontational. “They will not be engaging with the public directly,” Medina explained. “Their responsibilities will include traffic control, securing crime scenes, transporting detainees, and assisting with drone operations to locate suspects or monitor situations.”

The Guard will also play a role in distributing food and essential supplies to the city’s growing homeless population—particularly along Route 66, where the effects of poverty and displacement have become increasingly visible.

Medina displayed charts showing recent improvements in several crime categories, crediting local policing efforts, but stressed that additional support was necessary to sustain progress and address persistent challenges.

While the deployment has been welcomed by city officials as a much-needed boost for public safety, it has also drawn sharp criticism from civil rights advocates. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico warned that introducing military forces into civilian areas sets a troubling precedent.

“Deploying the National Guard risks escalating the militarization of local law enforcement,” the ACLU said in a statement. “These measures often disproportionately harm vulnerable communities, including the homeless and economically disadvantaged.”

The move underscores the ongoing national debate over how to balance public safety with civil liberties—particularly as cities grapple with post-pandemic surges in crime and strained municipal resources.