Acting U.S. Attorney Ellison Leads Multi-Agency Discussion on Public Safety Challenges in Española and Rio Arriba County

Press Release

ALBUQUERQUE -Last week, Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison convened a meeting with federal, tribal, and local law enforcement leaders to address violent crime and drug trafficking in Española and Rio Arriba County.

The meeting brought together representatives from the U.S. Attorney's Office, FBI, DEA, ATF, and Homeland Security Investigations, alongside Española Police Chief Mizel Garcia, Rio Arriba County Sheriff Lorenzo Aguilar, Santa Clara Police Chief Mitchell Maestas and Pueblo of Pojoaque Police Chief Freddie Trujillo.

(Left to right) Española PD Chief Mizel Garcia, Pueblo of Pojoaque PD Chief Freddie Trujillo, Pueblo of Pojoaque PD Major Nathan Barton, Santa Clara PD Chief Mitchell Maestas, Rio Arriba County Sheriff Lorenzo Aguilar

Ellison opened the session by describing the region as "ground zero" for violent crime and overdose deaths in New Mexico. He emphasized the need for strong partnerships, an increased federal presence on the ground, and coordinated action plans. While acknowledging that federal partners cannot solve the problem alone, he underscored that federal law enforcement can lead a sustained effort. He closed his remarks with a clear warning: offenders will face prosecution and significant federal prison time.

(Right to left) DEA ASAC Jeffrey Armijo, FBI ASAC Philip Russell, U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison, ATF ASAC Sarah Mauricio, HSI SAC J.T. Stevens

Local and tribal law enforcement leaders offered detailed assessments of the challenges and progress in their communities. Española Police Chief Mizel Garcia described intensified collaboration among agencies and identified Mexican cartels as the number one public safety threat. Pueblo of Pojoaque Police Chief Freddie Trujillo highlighted the success of license plate reader technology and joint operations at Buffalo Thunder Resort that produced successful prosecutions through the U.S. Attorney's Office. Santa Clara Pueblo Police Chief Mitchell Maestas noted how technology offsets staffing shortages and praised state efforts to close loopholes that once allowed non-Indians to commit crimes on tribal lands without consequence. Rio Arriba County Sheriff Lorenzo Aguilar emphasized that cartels operate with organization and discipline, urging federal partners to provide matching levels of resources, intelligence, and data. He also outlined the state's work to deputize tribal officers to make arrests against non-Indians.

In direct response, Ellison announced expanded federal priorities. The U.S. Attorney's Office will now consider accepting all provable firearm cases, stressing that "felon in possession" charges carry powerful penalties for repeat offenders. His office will also consider taking all A- and B-level drug cases, as well as every provable fentanyl trafficking case brought forward.

(Right to left) FBI ASAC Philip Russell, U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison, ATF ASAC Sarah Mauricio

Federal agency leaders reinforced their commitment to addressing public safety threats. Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge J.T. Stevens echoed concerns about cartel communications and pledged close cooperation with local authorities, stressing that true success is measured in safer streets, not statistics. ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Sarah Mauricio outlined support ranging from an explosives-sniffing K9 to eTrace, NIBIN, and advanced training opportunities. FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Philip Russell emphasized a "whole of government" approach with seamless interagency coordination. DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Armijo pledged more training for local officers to strengthen federal case-building and offered to provide additional license plate readers.

Officials sit at a long table with the U.S. flag, surrounded by attendees.

Representatives from the U.S. Attorney's Office also described internal strategies to support this effort. Supervisory AUSA Samuel Hurtado (Violent and General Crimes) pledged responsiveness and highlighted the ability to pursue cases the state cannot. Deputy Supervisory AUSA Paul Mysliwiec (Violent and General Crimes) offered guidance to local and tribal law enforcement regarding the types of cases that they should push to the U.S. Attorney's Office for federal prosecution. Supervisory AUSA Matthew McGinley (Indian Country Crimes) announced an increased focus on drug trafficking in Indian Country and an expanded tribal liaison program, supported by victim-witness specialists. Deputy Supervisory AUSA Lou Mattei (Narcotics and Organized Crime) encouraged early engagement with federal agencies, stressing that even low-level drug crimes can expose broader cartel operations.

(Left to right) Supervisory AUSA Samuel Hurtado, Deputy Supervisory AUSA Paul Mysliwiec, Supervisory AUSA Matthew McGinley, Deputy Supervisory AUSA Lou Mattei

Sheriff Aguilar closed the discussion by emphasizing that criminals do not recognize jurisdictional boundaries and law enforcement cannot afford to either. Leaders concluded the meeting with a unified message: Only a coordinated, multi-pronged strategy, backed by federal resources, tough prosecution, and close collaboration, can improve public safety in Española and Rio Arriba County.

A group of 21 people, including police officers and officials, pose on the steps of a gazebo with a red roof

Updated September 22, 2025