SANTA FE—Today, Senator Crystal Brantley (R-Elephant Butte) pre-filed four bills addressing public safety in New Mexico. All four measures were previously introduced by Senator Brantley and Senator Steven McCutcheon (R-Carlsbad) during the 2024 Public Safety Special Session. None of the bills were given a hearing at the time.

The bills, which can be found in their entirety on the index of Senate pre-files, are as follows:

Legislation increasing the penalty for selling or distributing fentanyl;
Legislation adding a first-degree murder charge for distribution of fentanyl resulting in death;
Legislation appropriating funds to improve communications infrastructure for border security and surveillance; and
Legislation prohibiting state and local governments from adopting policies to prohibit or restrict cooperation with federal immigration authorities, effectively banning "sanctuary cities."

Senator Crystal Brantley issued the following statement regarding the bill's introduction:

"Border security is public safety—whether you live in the metro or on a cattle ranch miles from the nearest town, the impacts of our failure to secure the border reverberate around the state. These are bills aimed at the heart of what we as legislators see in our districts: abundant fentanyl, isolated law enforcement, and lack of connectivity. Back in April, the Governor and the leaders of the legislature claimed mine and other public safety measures were not given enough time to be properly vetted through the legislative process. Now, eight months later, our constituents cannot afford to wait any longer."

Senator Brantley also announced that she will collaborate with other border legislators on these measures including Senator Gabriel Ramos (R-Silver City). Senator Ramos previously represented Senate District 28 as a Democrat. In 2024, Senator Ramos was reelected to his previously held seat as a Republican.

Senator Ramos, who will be sworn into office later this month, issued the following statement alongside Senator Brantley:

"We have an unprecedented public safety crisis unfolding at the southern border—one that demands our immediate attention and action. I know the legislative process and the urgency by which we must address these important issues. I'm eager to collaborate with my friend Senator Brantley on accomplishing these and other critical public safety measures."