Haaland Focuses on Crime at National Night Out Events

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Today, Deb Haaland, candidate for New Mexico governor, participated in National Night Out events in Albuquerque as part of her ongoing efforts to take on violent crime and make New Mexico communities safer. At an event in the International District, Haaland discussed increasing police officers on the beat, community policing and issues that contribute to crime in the area, including dark streets, lack of safe community spaces, and addiction. In the South Valley, Haaland heard from community members about property crime and increased ICE presence in the area.

“Every person in New Mexico deserves to live in a safe neighborhood, and that’s why I’m committed to keeping violent criminals behind bars while addressing the root causes of crime,” said Deb Haaland. “Tonight’s events showcase the power of New Mexicans coming together to build safe communities.”

As Deb Haaland prioritizes making New Mexico safer, she has focused on strategies to combat violent crime, including officer recruitment and training, community safety programs, ongoing partnerships with partnerships with local law enforcement. Tonight’s National Night Out events come after Haaland held a roundtable with law enforcement and meet and greets with New Mexicans from across the state.

As Secretary of the Department of the Interior, Haaland led law enforcement agencies across the department and stood up a law enforcement task force that implemented the highest standards for protecting the public and provided necessary policy guidance, resources, and training to agency personnel. While in Congress, Deb delivered $350 billion for state and local governments and law enforcement agencies, including $2.5 billion in New Mexico through the American Rescue Plan. These funds helped keep police officers on the job during the pandemic and aided police departments in the state.