A special session to “address violent crime” looms in New Mexico as Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) prepares to push forward a controversial agenda that critics argue is more about restricting gun rights than fighting crime. Although no firm date has been set, the governor is expected to call lawmakers back to Santa Fe in the coming weeks with a list of proposals that include banning popular sporting rifles, capping ammunition magazine capacity, and expanding red flag laws.
Grisham’s Record of Failed Gun Control Efforts
Grisham’s renewed push for gun control follows her failed attempt in 2023 to impose emergency restrictions on legal gun owners. At the time, she declared gun violence a public health emergency and issued an executive order suspending concealed carry rights in certain public spaces—even for licensed permit holders. The move triggered immediate backlash across party lines and drew legal challenges from gun rights organizations and civil liberties groups alike.
Many Democratic lawmakers and law enforcement leaders condemned the order, calling it a clear overreach of executive power. Legal experts pointed out that the action was not only unconstitutional under the Second Amendment, but it also violated recent U.S. Supreme Court precedent—specifically, the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen decision, which affirmed the individual right to carry a firearm in public for self-defense.
Faced with mounting criticism and legal obstacles, Grisham was ultimately forced to scale back the order, highlighting the limits of executive authority when it comes to infringing on constitutionally protected rights.
Despite that failure, the governor appears determined to double down. Her upcoming special session is expected to serve as a legislative battleground for yet another round of anti-gun proposals, this time repackaged under the guise of addressing “public safety.”
Shifting Focus from Criminals to Law-Abiding Citizens
Rather than focusing on increasing police presence, strengthening penalties for violent offenders, or investing in community-based crime prevention programs, Grisham’s agenda largely targets law-abiding citizens. Her proposals include banning modern sporting rifles that are commonly used for home defense and sport shooting, limiting magazine capacity regardless of functionality or purpose, and expanding red flag laws that can result in firearm confiscation without due process.
Opponents argue that these measures won’t stop criminals, who by definition do not follow gun laws. Instead, they claim these proposals will burden responsible gun owners and erode the fundamental rights protected by both the state and federal constitutions.
Gun rights advocates also point to data showing that restrictive gun laws in other states have failed to curb violent crime. They fear that New Mexico may be heading down a similar path—one where symbolic legislation replaces effective, evidence-based solutions.
Political Fallout and Public Pushback Expected
Grisham’s latest move comes at the end of a legislative session in which she scolded lawmakers for not doing more to address juvenile crime and public safety. “The public should demand that the New Mexico Legislature—and all public officials in our state—acknowledge New Mexico’s crime crisis and prompt them to act immediately to protect our communities,” she declared. “The Legislature should expect a special session to address our ongoing public safety crisis.”
While the governor paints the session as urgent and necessary, critics see it as politically motivated and legally dubious. The tension between the executive and legislative branches in New Mexico is already high, and another aggressive push for restrictive gun laws could further strain those relationships.
Whether the governor’s proposals gain traction or collapse under public pressure remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that New Mexico’s special session will reignite the debate over how best to combat violent crime—by empowering law enforcement and communities, or by imposing stricter regulations on law-abiding gun owners.
In the meantime, gun rights organizations and concerned citizens across the state are watching closely, ready to push back against any legislation they believe threatens their freedoms. Stay tuned.
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