Nella Domenici experiences NM law enforcement challenges

Domenici rides with officers in Albuquerque

Albuquerque, NM – U.S. Senate candidate Nella Domenici took to the streets and joined Albuquerque Police Department officers this week in the city’s International District to get a patrolman’s view first-hand look at Albuquerque’s crime crises.

Domenici said, “The ride-along was eye-opening. Simple crime statistics, while alarming, don’t convey the human suffering and lives destroyed by fentanyl use.  This evening spent with police officers redoubled my commitment to secure the border.  We have to stop the flow of fentanyl that is devastating our neighborhoods. It is inexcusable that elected officials like Martin Heinrich have turned a blind eye to this tragedy for so long. Instead of focusing on the crises, Heinrich, Harris and other radical Progressives have supported open border policies that have made this crises possible.” 

Domenici learned that fentanyl pills cost less than 30 cents apiece and are extremely easy to obtain. She also spoke to a neighbor who is sick of the crime that is so pervasive in her neighborhood. Her backyard is littered with discarded tin foil from fentanyl users, and stolen purses stripped of credit cards, cash, and any other valuable belongings. 

“I saw block after block of people openly smoking Fentanyl from foil wrappers. They wander the streets like zombies. They sleep in alleys only to wake and repeat their addictive behavior until they overdose and die.” said Domenici. "Many are malnourished and dehydrated with sores on their skin. They prostitute themselves, and commit crimes, some violent, to support their addiction. The night belongs to the addicts and the criminals because everyone else is afraid to leave their homes."  

“Our law enforcement officers place themselves on the front-line,” says Domenici. “I deeply appreciate the work they do, and it’s time they had a United States Senator who will fight for them and get them the federal support they need to reduce crime.” 

During the ride-along, Domenici was on the scene of an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, where an individual attempted to shoot a woman across the street. The suspect was quickly and safely apprehended. Domenici watched as officers phoned in search warrants and carefully followed procedures to collect evidence and build an effective case.  

Domenici spent the night on the front lines with APD to gain deeper insight into the realities they face. She saw first-hand the consequences of catch and release policies and the impact that policy has on morale as it weighs heavily on the minds of beat cops who face the same offenders day after day.

The Department of Justice’s Consent Decree’s micromanagement of their daily activities also affect their jobs and morale. The bitter irony is that the Consent Decree is siphoning off and diverting valuable resources away from policing in a community where Albuquerque’s lower income residents are more likely to be victims of crime.

“I am appalled at estimates that the total costs related to the Consent Decree so far are approaching $40 million, of which one man, the “independent monitor,” has received $12 million in fees. I am equally concerned about the number of police officers (estimated to be approximately 50) that are assigned to investigating other police officers when only ten or fifteen officers are assigned to investigating the record-breaking number of homicides taking place in Albuquerque.”

“We can do a better job of supporting our officers, and that will help us address our crime crisis,” says Domenici. “We also need to address our open borders and stop this incessant flow of fentanyl that infects our streets and devastates our families.” 

Domenici’s ride-along comes as part of her broader New Day in New Mexico plan, which includes demanding more for public safety, supporting law enforcement, and ending the flow of fentanyl into New Mexico.

Domenici has been a vocal critic of Martin Heinrich’s failed record on crime, citing the 26% increase in violent crime since he took office as a clear indication that Heinrich’s policies are killing New Mexico. Her ride-along follows an endorsement from the Albuquerque Police Officers’ Association and a blistering critique of Heinrich by sheriffs from across New Mexico.

--End--