NM gov. requests Homeland Security to delay migrant transports during wildfire season

SANTA FE, NM — New Mexico governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is requesting the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to delay the efforts of transporting migrants to New Mexico as the state is unable to provide humanitarian aid due to the wildfire efforts.

The letter follows the governor’s meeting with DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas last month, where she requested additional wildfire disaster assistance from the federal government through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

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The governor’s request was recently granted by President Joe Biden, who announced that the federal government will cover 100 percent of costs for emergency protective work and debris removal under New Mexico’s existing wildfire disaster declaration.

In the letter, the governor emphasizes that both state government and local humanitarian organizations are focused on supporting and assisting the thousands of New Mexicans displaced by and affected by the ongoing disaster as numerous wildfires continue to burn throughout the state.

“The existing emergency arising from these wildfires has severely taxed the capacity of our state to provide resources to non-New Mexicans. I cannot allow the governments and communities of the state of New Mexico to shoulder additional burdens falling squarely within the federal government’s purview,” the governor said.

“I have serious concerns regarding the Department’s readiness to address the influx of individuals who are poised to enter New Mexico if further preparation is not undertaken. Public safety and health are paramount, and I do not believe that the Department can adequately address these health and safety concerns if existing limitations on migrant entry are lifted," said Lujan Grisham.

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