New Mexico GOP targeting Hispanic voters in oilfields
HOBBS. N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Republicans are launching a voter registration effort among a Hispanic population of oilfield workers. The Hobbs News-Sun reports that state Rep. David Gallegos, a Eunice Republican, is leading a project to register to vote Hispanic oilfield workers in the state's Permian Basin. The move is part of a more extensive campaign by New Mexico Republicans to reach out of Latino and Native American voters. Pearce told The Associated Press last month the state party will appoint Hispanic and Native American outreach coordinators in all of the state's 33 counties.
ANIMAL CRUELTY-NEW MEXICO
Warrant issued for man sentenced to prison over dog's death
GALLUP, N.M. (AP) — A rural New Mexico man convicted of extreme animal cruelty in the killing of his dog has a warrant out for his arrest after failing to begin serving a prison sentence that authorities sought to make an example of his case. A judge in Gallup issued an arrest warrant for 35-year-old George A. Milliken of Thoreau after he failed to surrender Feb. 17 to start serving a two-year sentence. The Gallup Independent reports that Milliken caught his dog with a metal-claw trap and shot it with a crowbow after it destroyed insulation under the family trailer in 2018. McKinley County Animal Protection Supervisor Cozy Balok said she hopes the prison sentence sends a strong message that animal abuse isn't tolerated.
HOMELAND SECURITY-CUCCINELLI
Judge rules head of immigration agency was unlawfully named
SAN DIEGO (AP) — A federal judge has ruled that Ken Cuccinelli was unlawfully appointed to lead the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services agency and, as a result, lacks authority to give asylum seekers less time to prepare for initial screening interviews. U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss in Washington found Cuccinelli's appointment violated the Federal Vacancies Reform Act. The 1998 law governs who is eligible to lead federal agencies in an acting capacity. The ruling issued Sunday is at odds with President Donald Trump's penchant for temporary appointments, but its impact isn't immediately clear.
HOMICIDE SUSPECTS-ARIZONA CHASE
2 homicide suspects arrested in Arizona after chase, gunfire
PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona authorities say two homicide suspects sought in Los Angeles were arrested following a chase and gunfire on Interstate 40. The Arizona Department of Public Safety says no one was injured in the incident Friday. According to the department, the suspects in a stolen pickup began firing at pursuing troopers. The department says additional troopers deployed ahead of the pickup and disabled it with gunfire needed "due to the immediate danger the suspects displayed." The department identified the suspects only as a 37-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman and directed inquiries about them to the Los Angeles Police Department. An LAPD spokesman said Saturday he could not immediately provide any information.
IMMIGRATION-ASYLUM
Court halts Trump asylum policy, then suspends its own order
SAN DIEGO (AP) — A Trump administration immigration policy that requires asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases wind through U.S. courts was blocked and then reinstated by a court in the matter of hours. The situation created chaos at border crossings, courtrooms and legal offices. Customs and Border Protection closed one border crossing leading into El Paso after the initial decision. Government attorneys said immigration lawyers had begun demanding that asylum seekers be allowed in the United States. Critics say the policy is inhumane because it sends asylum-seeking migrants back to dangerous cities in Mexico that are overrun with crime and kidnapping.
BANDELIER-TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS
Trail improvements planned at Bandelier National Monument
BANDELIER NATIONAL MONUMENT, N.M. (AP) — The National Park Service says the popular loop trail at Bandelier National Monument will be getting a much-needed facelift this summer. Officials say the 1.2-mile paved path at the bottom of Frijoles Canyon is showing the effects of weather, time and tons of foot traffic. The trail provides access to dozens of archaeological sites in the most visited area of the monument. The work is scheduled to begin in May and will last at least a few months. Acting Superintendent Dennis Milligan says visitors should expect rerouting, closures and delays.
AP-US-CHACO-CANYON-DRILLING
US officials cite 'balance' as goal for Chaco oil plan
ALBUQUERQUE, N .M. (AP) — The preservation and protection of Native American cultural sites would be a priority of U.S. land managers under one of the options up for consideration as they work to revamp an outdated guide for management of oil and gas drilling across northwestern New Mexico. But U.S. officials on Friday indicated their preference for an alternative that would "balance community needs and development" while limiting impacts on the cultural way of life of residents. The area is home to Chaco Culture National Historical Park, which has become the focal point of tribes, environmentalists and archaeologists who want to halt development beyond the boundaries of the World Heritage site.