Federal government moves to seize seven acres of New Mexico trust land at the border

ALBUQUERQUE — The federal government has informed New Mexico officials that it plans to take control of seven acres of state trust land located along the United States–Mexico border. The notice comes after state officials refused an earlier federal request to purchase the property.

According to the New Mexico State Land Office, federal representatives had sought to acquire the small parcels but were turned down. The land in question lies in areas of Luna and Doña Ana counties and has been managed by the state as trust property that generates revenue for public schools and other beneficiaries.

State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard said the federal move follows repeated incidents of unauthorized entry onto trust lands in those counties. The commissioner and her office framed the administration’s action as an escalation after the purchase attempt failed.

Garcia Richard sharply criticized the decision, labeling it an overreach and saying she would not let state trust land be used in ways she finds objectionable. She emphasized the obligation to protect assets that provide funding for schoolchildren and said the state would not cooperate with what she described as harmful immigration policies.

The State Land Office announced it will examine legal avenues to respond and determine next steps. Officials said they are reviewing potential challenges to the seizure and considering how the loss of those acres could affect future trust revenue for beneficiaries in the region.