ESPAÑOLA, N.M. (KRQE) – New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency in northern New Mexico, citing a sharp rise in crime, the state's highest overdose death rate, and increased homelessness in Rio Arriba County. This week, Española Police Chief Mizel Garcia joins Chris and Gabby on the New Mexico News Insiders Podcast to explain why he's asking for help from the National Guard, and the unique challenges his community faces.

Chief Garcia shares what role the Guard could play, staffing struggles within his department, and how local law enforcement is tackling the region's drug crisis. "I am authorized 30 officers," explained Chief Garcia. "Unfortunately, the jurisdictional quagmire I mentioned - we are not the highest paying department in that area."

Garcia add

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