Roosevelt County commissioners unanimously approve letter urging governor to address fentanyl, human smuggling and crime

Roosevelt County commissioners voted unanimously on March 19 to send a letter to the governor asking state action on fentanyl, human smuggling and rising crime tied to addiction and trafficking.

The request was introduced by Commission Chair Tina Dixon, who said there is “a serious problem with fentanyl, human trafficking and crime in New Mexico.” County Manager Amber Hamilton and Commissioner Roy Lee Criswell read the proposed letter aloud during the meeting before Commissioners Paul Grider, Dixon, Rodney Savage and Criswell voted to transmit it.

The commission took no additional policy action at the meeting; the vote authorized only that the county join other jurisdictions in asking the governor to address the issues outlined in the letter. No specific remedies or requests for state funding were adopted during the meeting.

The action came amid public comments that raised concerns about local emergency services and county finances. Chair Dixon told speakers during public comment that the commission does not engage in debate during that period and asked that detailed questions be submitted in writing to the county manager.