During a recent appearance on “Breitbart News Daily,” Nella Domenici, the Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate from New Mexico, voiced her concerns about the critical issues facing the state, particularly regarding border security and crime. She painted a grim picture of New Mexico, highlighting its status as the state with the highest crime rate in the country, emphasizing the dire conditions that residents face. Domenici pointed out that Albuquerque, the state’s largest city, ranks among America’s most dangerous urban areas. She connected this alarming crime rate to broader systemic problems in New Mexico, including educational failures and high rates of drug usage, particularly of fentanyl. The combination of economic challenges and rampant crime has led to growing discontent among residents, according to Domenici.
Domenici delved into the effects of drug trafficking in the region, asserting that Albuquerque is largely influenced by organized crime, specifically noting the control exerted by three major drug cartels. These cartels, she argued, operate like businesses, distributing fentanyl throughout the state and contributing to a rising death toll linked to the substance. Furthermore, she detailed the plight of many unaccompanied minors who are reportedly entering the state, as well as the associated issues of child sex and labor abuse. Homicide rates, carjackings, and other forms of violent crime were also highlighted, depicting a city besieged by criminal activity and poor governance.
The candidate suggested that New Mexico’s issues are exacerbated by immigration patterns that have brought a notable number of individuals from China, many of whom are involved in the state’s marijuana industry. This influx, combined with the power and sophistication of cartels operating in New Mexico, has made addressing these challenges increasingly difficult. Domenici’s comments reflect a belief that the power of the drug cartels has reached alarming levels and acknowledges that a concerted effort will be necessary to combat their influence. She attributed part of the state’s struggles to what she termed “radical progressives,” whom she accused of enabling the state’s lawlessness and border vulnerabilities.
Domenici specifically criticized the lack of federal support for border control in New Mexico, emphasizing that much of the state’s border is poorly secured. She cited the failure of local Democratic leaders, particularly Senator Martin Heinrich, to advocate effectively for the resources needed to bolster Border Patrol and maintain security along the border. This lack of action, she claimed, has contributed to New Mexico’s status as having one of the most porous borders in the country, in stark contrast to neighboring states like Texas and Arizona that have taken measures to secure their borders independently.
Describing the border in New Mexico, Domenici conveyed her frustration with a long stretch of wall that abruptly ends, leading to areas that are completely unsecured. This imagery illustrates her concern that not only is the physical barrier incomplete, but also that there are significant gaps in surveillance and law enforcement presence. She contrasted New Mexico’s leadership with that of other states, asserting that Texas and Arizona have taken proactive measures to manage their borders, while New Mexico’s current leadership has failed to do the same.
The overall sentiment in Domenici’s remarks reflects a broader Republican perspective on border security and the influence of drug cartels in New Mexico. Her statements are aimed at mobilizing support for her campaign by addressing the deep-rooted issues of crime, drug trafficking, and ineffective governance. As the Senate race unfolds, these themes are likely to resonate with voters who feel frustrated by the complexities surrounding safety, economic distress, and immigration policy in the region. The candidate’s urgent pleas for reform and increased security indicate her commitment to addressing these challenges should she be elected to the Senate.