AG: New Mexico Press Releases

New Mexico, Texas Settle Rio Grande Water Dispute

New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, and the U.S. have filed settlement agreements with the Supreme Court Special Master to resolve a decade-long water dispute over the Rio Grande. The agreements aim to provide certainty for water users and ensure long-term compliance with the Rio Grande Compact.

AG Torrez Preserves $184M for AmeriCorps Programs

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez successfully joined a lawsuit that challenged proposed funding cuts to AmeriCorps. The White House Office of Management and Budget has agreed to release over $184 million in funding for AmeriCorps service programs nationwide, including over $2 million for New Mexico programs. This action preserves critical services for underserved populations.

AG Torrez Secures $3.3M Judgment and Testimony Against Defendants

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez announced a $3.3 million judgment and plea agreement against Patricia Hurtado for kidnapping, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, and Medicaid fraud. Hurtado will serve five years in prison and testify against co-defendant Angelita Chacon in connection with the death of Mary Melero.

New Mexico AG Statement on SCOTUS Decision Regarding ICE Racial Profiling

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez issued a statement denouncing a U.S. Supreme Court administrative stay that allows federal agents to continue racial profiling. Torrez affirmed that the New Mexico Constitution protects individuals from racial profiling by state and local law enforcement, even when assisting federal agents.

New Mexico AG Announces Guilty Verdicts in Attempted Murder Trial

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez announced guilty verdicts for John Karl O’Brien, who was charged with attempted murder and threatening a judge with an ax. O'Brien faces up to 10.5 years in prison for the felony convictions.

New Mexico AG Announces 30-Year Sentence for Child Sexual Assault by Occupational Therapist

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez announced a 30-year sentence for Jared Cordum, a Clovis occupational therapist convicted of sexually assaulting multiple young boys. Cordum abused his professional position to commit these crimes, and the sentence includes lifetime sex offender registration.

AG Torrez Supports DC Challenge to Trump National Guard Deployment

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez joined 22 other attorneys general in filing an amicus brief supporting D.C.'s challenge to the Trump Administration's National Guard deployment. The brief argues that deploying National Guard troops without the District of Columbia's consent is unlawful and unconstitutional, potentially impacting federal-state relations and the use of military for domestic law enforcement.

NM AG Statement on Former Teacher's Pretrial Detention Affirmation

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez issued a statement on September 22, 2025, regarding the affirmation of pretrial detention for a former Hope Christian teacher accused of sexual abuse. The New Mexico Court of Appeals and Supreme Court upheld the detention order, meaning the defendant will remain in jail pending trial.

Court Order Protects Billions in Federal Emergency Funding

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez, along with 20 other attorneys general, secured a court order protecting billions in federal emergency funding from being withheld by FEMA and DHS. The court ruled that the agencies unlawfully conditioned these funds on states' cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, violating the Constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act.

New Mexico AG Warns of Online Immigration Attorney Scams

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez and the State Bar of New Mexico are warning residents about an increase in online scammers impersonating immigration attorneys. The notice provides tips for identifying fraudulent attorneys, advice for victims, and resources for assistance.