Story perspectives

DOJ Cites Law, Withholds Epstein Files from New Mexico

7/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Justice Department says federal law and privacy rules prevent it from giving New Mexico millions of unredacted Epstein files.
New Mexico opened a criminal investigation of alleged abuse at Epstein’s Zorro Ranch in February, which remains active and examines trafficking claims from 1993 onward.
Attorney General Raul Torrez, a Democrat, accuses President Donald Trump’s administration of withholding the records, warning each day the delay makes witnesses unreachable and evidence degrade.

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Story summary

Justice Department says federal law and privacy rules prevent it from giving New Mexico millions of unredacted Epstein files.
New Mexico opened a criminal investigation of alleged abuse at Epstein’s Zorro Ranch in February, which remains active and examines trafficking claims from 1993 onward.
Attorney General Raul Torrez, a Democrat, accuses President Donald Trump’s administration of withholding the records, warning each day the delay makes witnesses unreachable and evidence degrade.