January 23rd, 2026Keeping our communities safe

Dear Friend, When it comes to solving crime and keeping our communities safe, my focus is on preventing what we can – and solving it when we can’t. And because I sit on the Senate Appropriations Committee, I am directly able to advocate for investments that protect hardworking New Mexico families. That’s why I’m proud to share that I secured hundreds of millions of dollars to help keep New Mexico and our communities safe in the appropriations bills Congress passed last week. These funds include over $1 million for new law enforcement technology in Albuquerque; over $1 million for forensic technology in Bernalillo County; over $1 million for new patrol vehicles; over $1 million to help at-risk students through school-based violence intervention programs; and $1 million for the University of New Mexico’s DNA processing lab. The funds also include $253 million for the COPS Hiring Program, which will help agencies in our state hire and train officers. These are hard-fought funds that will make our communities safer. And I’ll continue working to deliver the resources our communities need to prevent crime, solve cases, support survivors, and stay safe. Sincerely, MARTIN HEINRICH United States Senator