I am writing today to announce the closure of the New Mexico Independent. After three and a half years of operation in New Mexico, the board of the American Independent News Network, has decided to shift publication of its news…
While environmental activists played their part yesterday during demonstrations at the capitol building, going so far as to dress up as solar panels and to sing the tune of “You Are My Sunshine,” their counterparts, the anti-cap-and-trade contingency who has…
Roughly one quarter of University of New Mexico students are unimpressed with the state’s flagship public school, according to a survey that questioned college students about their higher education experiences.
Some New Mexico politicians praised President Barack Obama’s reported decision to send 1,200 National Guard troops to the border. Obama will also request $500 million in supplemental funding for border security.
Congressman Harry Teague, D-N.M., represents New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District, the only district in the state that borders Mexico.
“The President has heard our call for strategic action, and he’s doing the right thing by calling for funding to support placing 1,200 National Guard on the border,” Teague said. “The President has responded to our request and now is the time for Congress to act and provide the necessary funding to secure our border, protect our citizens and preserve our nation’s security interests.”
U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., said in a statement that he looks “forward to learning more details about President Obama’s proposal to deploy additional National Guardsmen and women along the border as well as his ideas about other border security actions we should be considering.”
“There are some important steps that we can take to continue to strengthen border security, such as ensuring that Border Patrol agents can patrol closer to the actual border, particularly in our state’s boot heel,” Bingaman continued. “I will work to ensure that the proposal that moves forward would improve our state’s security.”
Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., said it is “welcome news for New Mexico and other border states that are struggling to ensure the safety of border residents in the face of increasingly violent trafficking organizations along the U.S.-Mexico border.”
Udall said in a statement that work was still needed, however.
“While these new resources are a welcome step to alleviate this dire situation, they in no way replace the need for a comprehensive solution to secure our borders while respecting America’s legacy as a nation of immigrants and a nation of laws,” Udall said. “I look forward to working with President Obama and my colleagues in the Senate to develop a policy that takes into account the needs of all stakeholders.”
Governor Bill Richardson, D-N.M., applauded the decision.
“I am pleased that the Obama Administration has responded to New Mexico’s and the other border states’ requests for additional security along the border,” Governor Richardson said. “Increased personnel will support our ongoing efforts to secure the border and maintain safety for all New Mexicans.”
