Full Breakdown
New Mexico Attorney General Claims DOJ Is Stalling Release of Epstein Ranch Files
7/13/2026, 8:46:32 PM
Core Event
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez has publicly accused the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) of obstructing the state’s investigation into alleged sexual-abuse crimes at Jeffrey Epstein’s former “Zorro Ranch” in Santa Fe County. Torrez says the DOJ has failed to provide unredacted records—names of survivors, witnesses, co-conspirators and other essential individuals—despite a request made in February 2026. The delay has now reached 130 days, which Torrez characterizes as “unreasonable under any rule of reason.”
Background & Context
Epstein owned the 10,000-acre hilltop property from 1993 until his 2025 death in a New York jail. The ranch, which includes a mansion, airstrip and helipad, was the site of alleged abuse of women and girls over a 26-year period. After Epstein’s death, the property was sold in 2021 and again in 2023 to Don Huffines, a Texas businessman and Republican candidate for state comptroller, who plans to convert it into a Christian retreat. New Mexico reopened its probe in February 2026, following a 2019 federal investigation that produced millions of partially redacted documents.
Timeline
- February 13 2026 – Torrez’s office sends a formal request for unredacted Epstein-related files to then-Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.
- March 2026 – Torrez reports “significant obstacles” such as deteriorating evidence and jurisdictional questions.
- April 1 2026 – DOJ affirms willingness to cooperate in a telephone conference.
- May 3 2026 – Torrez submits a Touhy letter demanding specific documents, setting a May 11 response deadline.
- May 29 2026 – Follow-up request sent after no substantive reply.
- June 2026 – Torrez seeks an in-person meeting in Washington, D.C.; receives no response.
- July 9 2026 – Torrez publicly declares the DOJ’s withholding “unreasonable” and “causing real and escalating harm.”
Official Statements & Responses
The DOJ’s public spokesperson reiterated that the agency “welcomes New Mexico undertaking additional investigation of the Zorro Ranch and stands ready to provide necessary assistance.” The same office noted that it had “substantially responded last month” to New Mexico’s requests. A rapid-response tweet from the DOJ account later read simply, “We are,” in reply to a journalist’s claim that the department was impeding the probe.
Criticism & Opposition
Democratic state Rep. Andrea Romero argued that New Mexico residents “deserve to know the truth” and condemned the federal failure to compile an official record. Critics on the national stage, including commentators on social media, have framed the DOJ’s silence as a possible admission of obstruction, though no formal indictment of the department has been made.
On-the-Ground Reports
Survivors such as Virginia Giuffre (deceased 2025) and Annie Farmer have previously described abuse at Zorro Ranch. Their testimonies, cited in state filings, rely on the withheld documents to corroborate identities and timelines. Without unredacted records, investigators say they cannot locate additional victims or verify witness statements.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The DOJ claims it has “substantially responded,” yet Torrez maintains that no substantive documents have been delivered. The brief DOJ tweet “We are” was interpreted by some journalists as an admission of obstruction, while the department has not clarified the meaning. No independent audit of the DOJ’s compliance with the request has been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Without complete and prompt access to relevant unredacted records held by the United States Department of Justice, survivors of serious criminal conduct at Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch in New Mexico are being denied justice,” — Raúl Torrez, New Mexico Attorney General
- “The NMDOJ views this length of time as an unreasonable delay under any rule of reason.” — Raúl Torrez
- “The DOJ reiterates that it welcomes New Mexico undertaking additional investigation of the Zorro Ranch and stands ready to provide necessary assistance with New Mexico’s investigation,” — DOJ spokesperson
- “We are.” — U.S. Department of Justice Rapid Response account
What’s Next
Todd Blanche’s confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled for the week of July 13 2026. Lawmakers may press the DOJ for a definitive response to New Mexico’s Touhy letter during the hearing.
