US Senate Candidate Matt Dodson Detained at Holloman AFB Anti-Drone Protest Sparks Local Backlash in Deeply Conservative Otero County

ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (April 9, 2026) — Matt Dodson, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate from Farmington and a U.S. Air Force veteran, was arrested Wednesday, April 8, 2026, outside Holloman Air Force Base while participating in a Shut Down Drone Warfare (SDDW) protest action. The incident has sparked significant local backlash in deeply conservative Otero County, where many residents have described the demonstrators as “outside agitators” whose anti-military messaging clashes with the community’s strong support for the armed forces, law enforcement, and border security.

What is Shut Down Drone Warfare (SDDW)?

Shut Down Drone Warfare is a national coalition of peace activists, co-sponsored by groups including Code Pink, Veterans for Peace, and Ban Killer Drones. The organization conducts nonviolent protests and direct actions to oppose U.S. military drone operations, which it criticizes as enabling extrajudicial killings, civilian casualties, and endless wars conducted without formal congressional declaration. SDDW’s annual Spring Action Week targets Holloman Air Force Base — the largest drone pilot and sensor operator training facility in the United States, graduating more than 700 personnel annually — with the goals of interrupting “business as usual,” educating the public and military personnel, and encouraging resistance within the armed forces. This year’s actions ran from April 5–11, 2026, and included daily vigils during commute hours.

Details of the April 8 Protest and Arrests

According to on-scene activist reports, 15 SDDW participants blocked the entry road at Holloman AFB early Wednesday morning. They deployed two large banners reading “Refuse Illegal Orders” and “Drone Pilots Refuse to Fly!” and held the roadway for approximately 15 minutes. When officers approached, the activists lay down on the pavement. Toby Blomé, the action coordinator, refused to stand and was carried away by officers. Dylan and Jonah complied and walked off under their own power.

While traffic was stopped, Nick Mottern of Veterans for Peace and Matt Dodson walked along the line of stopped vehicles, distributing flyers explaining the protest’s reasons and opposition to the U.S. drone program. Both were subsequently arrested, although they were not on base property.

The five arrestees were initially processed at the base Visitors Center. Blomé was transported away quickly. The remaining four, including Dodson, were later moved to the Otero County Detention Center. Five activists arrested at the Main Gate were charged by Otero County Sheriff’s deputies primarily with being pedestrians in a roadway; Blomé faced an additional charge of trespassing on base property. Organizers described the demonstration as entirely peaceful, with no reports of violence.

A photograph from the scene shows Dodson wearing a blue Air Force veteran cap while interacting near sheriff’s deputies prior to his detention.

Who is Matt Dodson?

Dodson, 62, is running as a democratic socialist in the June 2, 2026, Democratic primary against incumbent U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján. A longtime New Mexico resident (approximately 35 years) with a background in community organizing, he has previously run for state legislative seats and other local offices. His platform focuses on universal healthcare, taxing the wealthy, free public college, and reducing corporate influence in politics. He has emphasized grassroots efforts, having knocked on thousands of doors and registered new voters. His campaign recently surpassed the required signature threshold for ballot access and is relying on small-dollar grassroots fundraising.

Local Backlash in Deeply Conservative Otero County

The protest has heightened tensions in Otero County, a staunchly conservative area that strongly supported Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election (Trump received approximately 62% of the vote compared to about 35% for Kamala Harris). Many local residents and social media commenters have criticized the demonstrators — including Dodson, who is not from Otero County — as “outside agitators” imposing values that do not reflect the community’s pro-military, pro-law enforcement, and strong border security priorities. Holloman Air Force Base serves as a major economic driver for the region, providing jobs and stability, which amplifies local frustration with actions perceived as disruptive to base operations.

Broader Concerns Over Government Overreach and the ICE Facility

The incident coincides with ongoing local disputes about perceived government and military overreach. Otero County has been engaged in a contentious legal battle with state officials over its efforts to renew a contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for the Otero County Processing Center in Chaparral. County leaders argue the facility is vital for jobs, revenue, and avoiding default on millions in bond debt. However, New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez has petitioned the state Supreme Court to block the agreement, citing violations of the Open Meetings Act and conflicts with the new Immigrant Safety Act (House Bill 9), which is set to take effect in May 2026 and prohibits such county contracts with ICE. Critics in the county view the state’s intervention as overreach that threatens local economic interests and cooperation with federal law enforcement.

Coinciding Local Peace Event

The detention occurred on the same day as a local “Party for Peace” event scheduled for Thursday evening, April 9, 2026, at Washington Park in Alamogordo. Organized with support from Veterans for Peace, Otero4Peace, Democracy Otero County, the White Sands Unitarian Fellowship, and the Otero Humanist Community, the family-friendly gathering from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. featured live music (including performances by Paul Pino, Albert LaFave, and others), art, a local food truck, and informational booths promoting a “peaceful world.” Attendees were encouraged to bring their own chairs and reusable water bottles.

As of Thursday afternoon, April 9, 2026, specific details regarding additional charges against Dodson, his exact release status, or formal statements from his campaign, Holloman AFB officials, or the Otero County Sheriff’s Office remained limited. This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available from court records, authorities, the candidate’s campaign, and event organizers.

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