AG Raúl Torrez Joins Lawsuit to Protect AmeriCorps, Ruidoso Program at Risk

A Ruidoso jobs project is at risk of ending with proposed AmeriCorps cuts. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez, as part of a multistate coalition, filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration’s termination of AmeriCorps grants and the dismantling of the agency though an 85% reduction of its workforce, effectively ending the agency’s ability to continue administering the programs, operations, and funding that make its important work possible. AmeriCorps is an independent federal agency tasked with engaging Americans in meaningful community-based service that directly address the country’s educational, public safety, and environmental needs — every year, the agency provides opportunities for more than 200,000 Americans to serve their communities.

Locally in nearby Ruidoso AmeriCorps makes a positive contribution to the community. EcoRangers, a year-long AmeriCorps community outreach program now in its fifth year, aims to continue the mission of directly engaging the community through service. Many new and ongoing projects include participation in White Mountain Search & Rescue, promoting responsible land ethic and invasive plant management, increasing Lincoln County recycling efforts, increasing Fire-wise education and awareness, volunteering with local community garden efforts, forest monitoring/Stand Examination and increasing involvement and awareness in regards to community service in general

“AmeriCorps is a vital public service program in our country, and its sudden dismantling is not only reckless—it’s unlawful,” said Attorney General Raúl Torrez. “Here in New Mexico, these cuts will hurt students, families, and underserved communities who rely on AmeriCorps-supported programs for education, housing, and critical community services. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues to defend this agency and protect the federal commitment to service, equity, and local resilience.”

“AmeriCorps participants do critical work in New Mexico, connecting veterans to services, helping fight the opioid epidemic, helping older adults age with dignity, and rebuilding communities after disasters. I will not stand idly by as Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and DOGE dismantle these programs in order to line the pockets of billionaires,” said Heinrich, the first AmeriCorps member to serve in the U.S. Senate. “On behalf of all New Mexicans, I’m grateful to Attorney General Raúl Torrez for joining this lawsuit to challenge President Trump’s illegal actions and attacks on the future we want to leave for our grandchildren.”

AmeriCorps supports national and state community service programs by providing opportunities for Americans to serve communities and by awarding grants to local and national organizations and agencies which use funding to address critical community needs. These organizations and agencies use AmeriCorps funding to recruit, place, and supervise AmeriCorps members nationwide. AmeriCorps members and volunteers have connected veterans to essential services, fought the opioid epidemic, helped older adults age with dignity, rebuilt communities after disasters, and improved the physical and mental well-being of millions of Americans. In early February, the Trump Administration issued an executive order directing every federal agency to plan to reduce the size of its workforce and prepare to initiate large-scale reductions in force. Since then, AmeriCorps has placed at least 85% of its workforce on administrative leave immediately and notified employees that they would be terminated effective June 24, 2025.

On April 25th, New Mexico received notice from the federal government of termination of its AmeriCorps grant programs which support volunteer and service effort. In the complaint today, AG Torrez and a multistate coalition argue that by abruptly canceling critical grants and gutting AmeriCorps’ workforce, the Trump Administration is effectively shuttering the national volunteer agency and ending states’ abilities to support AmeriCorps programs within their borders.

More than $2 million in AmeriCorps grants are being terminated, impacting programs that provide critical services across New Mexico. These include initiatives that support culturally responsive education, after-school and youth mentoring programs, special education services, teacher preparation, environmental conservation, and housing and support for at-risk and homeless youth. The cuts will affect communities in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Vegas, Taos, and Ruidoso—disrupting efforts that serve rural, tribal, and underserved populations across the state.

The coalition establishes that the Trump Administration has acted unlawfully in its gutting of AmeriCorps, violating both the Administrative Procedures Act and the separation of powers under the U.S. Constitution. Congress has created AmeriCorps and the programs it administers, and the President cannot incapacitate the agency’s ability to administer appropriated grants or carry out statutorily assigned duties. Further, by dismantling AmeriCorps and its programs, which are creatures of Congress, The Trump Administration’s has violated the Executive Branch’s obligation to take care that the law is faithfully executed.

In bringing today’s lawsuit, Attorney General Torrez joins the attorneys general of Maryland, Delaware, California, Colorado, Arizona, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, the District of Columbia and the states of Kentucky and Pennsylvania.

AmeriCorps Complaint

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