Operation Zia Shield Concludes: National Guard Departing Albuquerque After Six-Month Deployment
End of an Era for Albuquerque’s National Guard Support
After a six-month mission, approximately 70 members of the New Mexico National Guard are set to leave Albuquerque following the conclusion of Operation Zia Shield on December 19, 2025. This initiative, authorized by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, aimed to bolster the efforts of the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) by alleviating the burden of non-enforcement tasks, thereby allowing police officers to focus more on patrolling and addressing crime in the city.
Positive Impact on Crime Rates
During their deployment, the National Guard played a crucial role in supporting local law enforcement. Crime statistics reveal a significant drop in violent incidents: homicides fell by 34%, while felony and misdemeanor arrests increased by 29% and 39%, respectively. APD Chief Harold Medina noted that this uptick in arrests was largely possible because officers were able to dedicate more time to enforcement work, particularly along Central Avenue, an area notorious for crime and homelessness.
Challenges Remain Despite Progress
Despite these gains, Chief Medina emphasized that the situation along Central Avenue has not visibly improved, indicating that deeper systemic issues persist. “Does Central look better? No,” he stated, underscoring the limitations of law enforcement alone in resolving complex social problems. The deployment highlighted a critical imbalance: police are making more arrests than can be prosecuted by the district attorney’s office, a reality that points to broader challenges within the criminal justice system.
Calls for Systemic Reform
The operation has sparked discussions about the need for comprehensive reforms in mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and the judicial process. As Medina prepares to retire, he plans to advocate for legislative changes aimed at addressing these systemic gaps during the upcoming session in Santa Fe. He called for lawmakers to develop a robust support system that offers meaningful help to those in need, rather than merely cycling them through the criminal justice system.
Future Implications for Albuquerque’s Safety
The conclusion of Operation Zia Shield prompts a review of its outcomes and implications for future deployments. While the National Guard’s presence provided a temporary boost in enforcement, officials recognize that sustainable improvements in public safety will require investments beyond law enforcement. The Governor’s office is analyzing data from this operation to inform potential future initiatives aimed at addressing Albuquerque’s ongoing challenges.
As Albuquerque moves forward, the lessons learned from Operation Zia Shield may serve as a blueprint for future collaborations between state resources and local law enforcement, reflecting a shift towards non-militarized support in urban crime management. This approach could set a precedent for how cities across the nation tackle similar issues.
