3-07-2026 1:21pm

Advocacy, Alerts, and Awareness: A Busy Week for the Mescalero Apache Tribe

Chris Edwards Editor

Mescalero N.M. — From the halls of the nation’s capital to the arid landscape of the Sacramento Mountains, the week ending March 8, 2026, has been one of high-stakes advocacy and heightened local vigilance for the Mescalero Apache Tribe.

Federal Advocacy: Tribal Leaders Take Concerns to D.C.

President Thora Walsh-Padilla and the Mescalero Tribal Council recently returned from a pivotal trip to Washington D.C., where they engaged in high-level discussions with the New Mexico Congressional Delegation, including Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján.

The visit focused on several critical friction points between tribal sovereignty and federal overreach:

• ICE Overreach: Leadership addressed alarming reports of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents questioning tribal members on or near tribal lands. The Tribe has been firm in its stance that such actions must respect tribal jurisdiction and member rights.

• Public Safety Infrastructure: Discussions were held regarding the urgent need for a new detention center and improved crime data sharing to better protect the community.

• Economic Interests: Leaders pushed for clarity on sports betting licenses and the co-management of federal lands that border the reservation.

Stage II Fire Restrictions Now in Effect

As of March 4, 2026, the Mescalero Apache Tribe has officially moved to Stage II Fire Restrictions. With a lack of winter moisture creating "tinderbox" conditions, tribal officials are leaving nothing to chance.

Under these strict orders:

• No Open Fires: All campfires, charcoal grills, and stove fires are prohibited.

• Smoking Restrictions: Smoking is strictly limited to enclosed vehicles or buildings.

• Prohibited Devices: The use of fireworks, explosives, and any incendiary devices is totally banned.

• Off-Road Limits: Driving motorized vehicles off-road is prohibited to prevent exhaust systems from igniting dry grass.

The Mescalero Conservation Office also issued a stern warning to those out in the field: do not use vehicles or drones to harass wildlife. Violators of these fire and conservation codes face prosecution in Tribal Court.

Urgent: Search Continues for Missing Youth

The community remains on high alert as the search for 16-year-old Brock King-Morgan enters its second week. Brock was last seen on February 25, 2026, in the Tularosa area.

Description:

• Height/Weight: 5'11", 157 lbs.

• Distinguishing Features: Black hair with a distinct red streak in the front right side; pierced left ear.

• Last Seen Wearing: A black jacket, black pants, and black Converse shoes.

If you have any information that could lead to Brock’s safe return, please contact the Tularosa Police Department at 575-585-2704 or dial 911 immediately.

Looking Ahead

Residents are reminded that the deadline for the 2025 Winter Assistance Program has been extended to March 27, 2026. Additionally, the Tribe is inviting members to a Medicare 101 presentation on March 23 at the Empowerment Building to assist those transitioning into new phases of healthcare.