Full Breakdown
New Mexico Accuses DEA of Allowing Fentanyl Shipments, Seeks Accountability
6/30/2026, 1:17:24 AM
Alleged DEA “Walking” Tactics and State Response
State officials say DEA agents deliberately avoided seizing fentanyl shipments in New Mexico from 2023-2025 to preserve evidence for larger cases. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced a civil claim of “hundreds of millions” and a request for a White House meeting. Attorney General Raúl Torrez opened a criminal probe; House Speaker Javier Martínez backed a congressional inquiry.
Background: “Walking” Policy, Overdose Trends, and Statistics
Whistleblower David Howell called the tactic “walking” fentanyl—monitoring shipments without immediate seizure. In the same period, New Mexico’s overdose deaths rose 21 % while the national rate fell 14 %. Opioid-use disorder cases grew from 44,000 in 2020 to about 83,000 in 2024. Estimates of fentanyl pills allowed range from 300,000 to 1.8 million.
Impact and Why It Matters
If the DEA’s “walking” policy contributed to the overdose surge, it raises questions about federal law-enforcement accountability, the balance between investigative tactics and public safety, and the financial strain on a state already burdened by opioid addiction. Pursuing civil damages could set a precedent for state-federal liability.
Official Statements & Responses
Governor Lujan Grisham called the conduct “a stunning failure by the federal government” and said she will take the issue to Washington. Attorney General Torrez described the probe as “aggressive” and warned of “significant legal barriers” under the Supremacy Clause. Rep. Melanie Stansbury announced a congressional investigation. The DEA denied knowingly permitting fentanyl distribution.
Criticism & Opposition
Mayor Tim Keller called fentanyl Albuquerque’s “No. 1 challenge,” calling the alleged DEA experiment “disgusting” and “immoral.” Governor Grisham also labeled the policy “foul” and “immoral,” criticizing both the Biden and Trump administrations for inadequate action.
On-the-Ground Reports
A 15-month-old child in Española died after ingesting her mother’s drugs, underscoring the crisis’s personal toll. Officials said Albuquerque’s International District “never looked worse,” linking the fentanyl surge to rising crime, homelessness, and strained health services.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Estimates of fentanyl pills allowed vary from 300,000 to 1.8 million. The Office of Special Counsel concluded the DEA’s actions did not breach internal policy and found no specific harm, while whistleblowers assert the opposite. A definitive link to individual overdose deaths remains unproven.
Verbatim Quotes
“This is a stunning failure by the federal government,” — Michelle Lujan Grisham, Governor of New Mexico
“We’re angry because it’s immoral.” — Michelle Lujan Grisham, Governor of New Mexico
“The fact that they allowed hundreds of thousands to flood our streets is unimaginable,” — Javier Martínez, House Speaker, New Mexico
“If those allegations are accurate, the consequences for New Mexicans were not abstract. They were fatal,” — Raúl Torrez, Attorney General of New Mexico
What’s Next
The state will file civil claims, continue the criminal probe, and await the DEA Inspector General’s report. Congressional investigators expect a briefing within 30 days, and the governor plans a White House meeting to discuss federal accountability.
