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On May 26, 2025, Bloomfield Police Officer Timothy Ontiveros was shot multiple times during a traffic stop. He bravely fought for his life but sadly passed away from his injuries on June 1, 2025.
Ken Miyagishima, a candidate for Governor of New Mexico and former mayor of Las Cruces, expressed concern over a troubling trend: in the past decade, New Mexico has lost 10 officers who died in the line of duty, often while alone and without a partner. He believes a good starting point to address this issue is to have officers ride with partners, whether from the New Mexico State Police, Sheriff’s Departments, City Police Departments, or University Police Departments.
Miyagishima said “I realize many law enforcement agencies may lack the funds to provide partners but I am committed to finding the necessary funding within the state budget to make this happen.”
He also noted that the current Governor has previously utilized the National Guard, deploying around 60 to 70 personnel in "Operation Zia Shield" to assist police officers in Albuquerque.
To enhance law enforcement support, Miyagishima proposes utilizing the New Mexico Army National Guard's military police units, particularly the 226th Military Police Battalion, which includes the 126th Military Police Company in Albuquerque and the 919th Military Police Company in Farmington. These military units offer individuals the chance to gain valuable law enforcement skills and become Military Police Officers.
“By allowing National Guard members to serve as Military Police Officers, they can assist full-time law enforcement officers and gain expanded police powers. This partnership would provide vital support to law enforcement agencies across New Mexico.
Miyagishima also said “I am dedicated to finding funding within the state budget to compensate these officers for their extra hours of service during weekends and evenings, in addition to their National Guard duties.”
“I would like for all New Mexicans to remember the brave police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty over the past decade. Their unwavering commitment to protecting our communities and our state will forever be etched in our memories. May God bless each of them, and may they rest in peace.”
HONORING OUR FALLEN HEROES
The heroes we honor include:
1. Officer Timothy Ontiveros - Bloomfield P.D., May 26, 2025
2. Patrolman Justin Hare - NM State Police, March 15, 2024
3. Officer Jonah Hernandez - Las Cruces P.D., February 11, 2024
4. Officer Anthony Ferguson - Alamogordo P.D., July 15, 2023
5. Sr. Police Officer Robert E. Duran - Santa Fe P.D., March 2, 2022
6. Corporal Thomas Wade Frazier - Artesia P.D., May 21, 2021
7. Officer Darian Jarrott - NM State Police, February 4, 2021
8. Officer Clint E. Corvinus - Alamogordo P.D., September 2, 2016
9. Officer Jose Ismael Chavez - Hatch P.D., August 12, 2016
10. Officer Daniel Webster - Albuquerque P.D., October 21, 2015
“Each of these individuals dedicated their lives to ensuring our safety, at the expense of their own. Their bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten, and we remain eternally grateful for their service. As we reflect on their legacy, let us honor their memory by continuing to support and uplift our law enforcement community. Their commitment to safeguarding public safety is commendable, and we must continue to support law enforcement in every possible way.” said Miyagishima.
Furthermore, Miyagishima said “I propose revisiting the qualified immunity doctrine and addressing the catch and release practices associated with the Arnold Tool assessments. I also want to incentivize our future law enforcement officers to consider a career in law enforcement.”
Thank you for considering this proposal to enhance the support and resources available to our law enforcement personnel. “My goal is to have a partner, if requested for every law enforcement officer in any our police and sheriff’s departments.” Miyagishima said.
Ken Miyagishima
Dem Candidate for Governor of NM
So, Miyagishima is going after Republican and Independent voters instead of the Democrat base in a blue state who's election laws are heavily biased towards Democrats. Tells you something about the state of the Democrat Party.
While his proposal sounds good, the reality is that the proposal to team up officers would pass, but not the increased funding for police, effectively cutting the police coverage in half. Put that way, it meets the Democrat goal of cutting police, while at the same time grabbing support away from true Republican candidates.