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criminal justice and public safety
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The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico released a statement Monday regarding Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s public health and executive order that took effect Friday. The order bans firearms in public places in Bernalillo County and has other provisions aimed at curbing violent crime.
The ACLU-NM was concerned that the order could “lead to over-policing and senseless incarceration.”
“The ACLU-NM is heartbroken by the recent deaths of children and shares the Governor’s concern for the well-being of our communities. We are equally concerned that Lujan Grisham’s solution is to put more resources into law enforcement,” ACLU-NM Litigation Manager Larita Moskowitz said Monday. said in a statement. “Historically, this type of approach has led to over-policing of our communities, racial profiling, and further misery in the lives of already marginalized people. Evidence-based solutions, such as violence intervention programs, should be followed to address the root causes of violence. This order also raises legitimate and pressing privacy concerns for New Mexicans.”
The ACLU of New Mexico is monitoring the legal challenges, including four lawsuits filed in federal court and one class action lawsuit also filed in federal court.
However, most people are more concerned with the firearms aspect of the order.
“However, we are deeply concerned about other parts of the order, including the governor’s decision to suspend programs that help children avoid juvenile prison. “We know that they are more likely to end up in the criminal system as adults. Ending programs that help young people find alternative paths is counterproductive to public safety,” Moskowitz said. said.
Regarding the illegal drug aspect of the order, Moskowitz said the ACLU-NM acknowledged the fentanyl crisis but opposed “any action that risks further criminalizing young people and those struggling with addiction.” Ta.
“ACLU-NM supports efforts to prioritize treatment and improve access to services to promote recovery. We know these approaches are far more effective than criminalization and incarceration. ” Moskowitz said. “Our organization remains committed to addressing public health crises through compassionate, evidence-based strategies while advocating for policies that protect the civil liberties and rights of all citizens.”