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

On May 6th, 2025, streaming KALHRadio.org and AlamogordoTownNews.org ran s story on a Ruidoso jobs project that is at risk of ending with proposed AmeriCorps cuts by the Trump Administration. An update to include a win on that lawsuit comes from NewMexicoConservativeNews.com

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.

Attorney General Raúl Torrez, alongside a coalition of 25 attorneys general and two state governors, secured an important victory in their effort to stop the Trump administration from dismantling AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. The order comes after the coalition filed a lawsuit in April seeking a preliminary injunction (PI) to immediately stop the closure of AmeriCorps programs and its workforce reduction. The U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland granted the PI, restoring all programs that had been terminated in plaintiff states, and ordering the reinstatement of over 750 National Civilian Community Corps members while litigation proceeds.

“This is a major victory for New Mexico and the thousands of AmeriCorps members who serve our communities every day,” said Attorney General Raúl Torrez. “From wildfire recovery to education and housing assistance, these programs are the backbone of our state’s disaster response and community service efforts. The court’s decision makes clear that the Trump administration’s attempt to abruptly dismantle these vital programs is not only unlawful, but deeply harmful to the families and communities that depend on them. My office will continue to fight for the full and permanent reinstatement of AmeriCorps in New Mexico, and we’re proud to stand with other state leaders in defending the services our residents deserve.”

“Thanks to Attorney General Raúl Torrez’s leadership, we’ve stopped Donald Trump’s illegal attacks on AmeriCorps, which supports critical work in New Mexico that connects veterans to services, fights the opioid epidemic, helps older adults age with dignity, and rebuilds communities after disasters,” said U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich, the first AmeriCorps member to serve in the U.S. Senate. “Unfortunately, we know that Trump’s illegal attacks on AmeriCorps have already led to dozens of young New Mexicans losing the opportunity to pursue jobs in service to New Mexicans. I insist that AmeriCorps immediately comply with this injunction and restore programs and funding that support our veterans, health care, rural communities, and working families.”

Today’s order restores vital AmeriCorps programs in New Mexico, including initiatives that support culturally responsive education, after-school youth and mentoring programs, special education services, teacher preparation, environmental conservation, and housing and support for at-risk and homeless youth across rural, tribal and underserved populations across the state.

April’s lawsuit, brought forth by the coalition of 24 attorneys general and the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania, challenged the Trump administration’s plans to eliminate 85 percent of AmeriCorps’ workforce, abruptly cancel its contract and close $400 million worth of AmeriCorps-supported programs.

The coalition successfully argued that the Trump administration’s attacks on AmeriCorps are illegal and that, by closing the $400 million worth of programs without explanation, the administration harmed states that administer these programs, as well as K-12 students, vulnerable seniors and others who depend on their services.

A federal judge found that the Trump administration’s actions were unlawful as Congress explicitly required that the agency provide advance notice and an opportunity to comment on any major changes to AmeriCorps services. The administration ignored this clear legal requirement and, as a consequence, the Court granted relief to the plaintiff states.

Joining New Mexico in the lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin, and the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania.

AmeriCorps PI Order

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