ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico — New Mexico Republican lawmakers convened a public safety task force hearing Monday, drawing testimony from law enforcement officials, victims, prosecutors and community advocates who said repeat offenders, drug trafficking and juvenile violence continue to strain the state’s criminal-justice system.

The task force is chaired by Sen. Crystal Brantley and Rep. Andrea Reeb, with members Sen. Jay Block, Sen. Nicole Tobiassen, Rep. Nicole Chavez and Rep. Alan Martinez.

Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen opened the hearing with an overview of crime trends in the state’s largest county. Allen said deputies routinely arrest the same violent offenders multiple times and warned that juvenile crime has become more sophisticated and more closely tied to drug trafficking. He called for strengthening penalties for felons in possession of firearms and revisiting juvenile detention and rehabilitation laws.

Victims and advocates also testified, including Angel Alire of Repeat Offenders Bring Devastation & Death, who urged lawmakers to focus on the long-term impact of violent crime on families. Rep. Nicole Chavez, whose son was killed in a 2021 shooting, said victims “do not feel seen or protected” under current policies.

Witnesses described the effect of drug activity on neighborhoods and small businesses. Kelly Opp of Keep NM Alive spoke about fentanyl’s growing presence among youth. Walter Bracken, owner of BMC Tactical, and Joshua Price, a former Little League president, reported frequent drug use, break-ins and discarded needles near their facilities.

Retired law-enforcement officials Raul Bujanda, former FBI Special Agent in Charge, and Rudy Mora, retired New Mexico State Police officer, warned that organized criminal groups are exploiting juveniles and weaknesses in state law.

Representatives from the Governor’s Office and the New Mexico Sentencing Commission, including Ben Baker and Raul Vigil, discussed system-wide pressure on courts, jails and juvenile services.

Prosecutors Rob Hart of the 2nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office and Barbara Romo, 13th Judicial District Attorney, told lawmakers that current statutes often limit their ability to detain violent offenders or respond to repeat arrests.

Lawmakers said the testimony will inform a public-safety reform package expected to be introduced during the 2025 legislative session.