When repeat offenders are let out early, you can’t expect the peace to last very long. Due to COVID-19, Gov. Lujan Grisham ordered the early release of 685 inmates to “reduce the crowding and spread of the disease.” She not only did it in response to the virus once, but multiple times, even signing it into law called “Catch & Release.” 

For those caught with drugs, burglary, child abuse, resisting arrest, public nuisance, and many more, they were all let go to do the same crimes they were originally in jail for. One man in particular got out twice, managing to kill his ex-girlfriend within days of being released, while another crime duo in particular were released to go back to stealing people’s belongings and vehicles. Without a lack of proper accountability, this law was in effect for over 2.5 years.

Just recently, when her opponent Mark Ronchetti called her out on it, did Gov. Lujan Grisham take back the law, making it no longer valid and applicable to criminals. You can read more about this issue and what that meant for even more criminals and the lack of safety in our state HERE.